Resources and Strategies to Best Prepare for the Heat

The human body is normally able to regulate its temperature through sweating, until it is exposed to more heat than it can handle. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can escalate rapidly, leading to delirium, organ damage, and even death. In 2021, 201 people died and 67 were injured in the U.S. from exposure to excessive heat, according to Injury Facts.

People most at risk include:

  • Those who work in the heat
  • Infants and young children, especially if left in hot cars
  • People 65 and older
  • People who are ill, have chronic health conditions, or are on certain medications
  • People who are overweight

If your job requires you to work outside in hot weather, you and your supervisors can take precautions to minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
recommends:

  • Working shorter shifts until workers have adjusted to the heat
  • Staying hydrated and drinking before you get thirsty
  • Watch out for co-workers exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke
  • Take time to rest and cool down

While at home, the best way to avoid a heat-related illness is to limit exposure to outdoors during hot days. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • Air conditioning is the best way to cool off
  • Drink fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and avoid alcohol
  • Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat
  • Replace salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks
  • Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Wear sunscreen: sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool itself
  • Pace yourself when you run or otherwise exert your body

New OSHA Resources to Stay Safe in the Heat  

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has developed two new education resources for employers and workers. The first resource is a fact sheet highlighting young workers and heat illness and the important precautions that this group of workers should take before starting their work in the heat, as well as what to look out for on the job. According to data from the CDC, young workers experience higher rates of job-related injury than older workers. As youth across the country begin their summer jobs and internships, learning about heat illness prevention is a vital step for their safety.

The second resource is a short customizable conversation guide for employers, managers, or supervisors to review with their workers. The Safety in Five on Heat Emergencies is a 5-step, 5-minute conversation that employers can have with workers to plan and remind each other about the necessary actions to take in the event of a heat emergency. The guide provides an opportunity to have meaningful conversations about planning, refreshing everyone’s memory and concludes with a short quiz to reinforce the knowledge.

Photo by Jarosław Kwoczała on Unsplash.