Safety Tip: Resources to Prevent Heat Illness

Exposure to heat can cause illness and death – and illness-inducing temperatures may be lower than you think. The OSHA heat illness website provides many helpful resources for combating heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and more. Here are some heat-illness tips and resource links:

Risk Factors for Heat Illness:

• High temperature and humidity, direct sun exposure, no breeze or wind
• Low liquid intake
• Heavy physical labor
• Waterproof clothing
• No recent exposure to hot workplaces

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:

• Headache, dizziness, or fainting
• Weakness and wet skin
• Irritability or confusion
• Thirst, nausea, or vomiting

Symptoms of Heat Stroke:

• May be confused, unable to think clearly, pass out, collapse, or have seizures (fits)

OSHA Heat Illness Website:

The OSHA Heat Illness website has a variety of resources and links to help protect workers, including a new heat safety app, as well as:

• Fact Sheets
• Worksite Posters
• Employer Training Guides
• Heat Stress QuickCard
• Wallet Card with QR Code
• Links to Washington- and California-specific heat illness materials

Heat Safety Resources:

• Visit the OSHA Heat Illness site.
• Learn how to use the heat index.
• View a map of US heat-related fatalities between 2008 and 2013.
• Browse heat illness and first aid signs at ComplianceSigns.com.