OSHA's Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers

With summer fast approaching, it is important for workers to be aware of how to stay safe in hot weather. Heat Illness can be deadly. Every year, thousands of workers are affected by exposure to heat and some even die. Any worker that is exposed to hot and humid conditions is at risk for heat illness. Outdoor workers are at such a high risk for suffering from heat illness in the summer because the body would normally cool itself by sweating. During hot weather and increased humidity, sweating is not enough. Heat illness requires immediate medical attention and should not be taken lightly.

OSHA is launching the heat awareness campaign in hopes of decreasing the amount of workers that suffer heat illness.

It is very important for workers to: Drink water often, rest in the shade, report heat symptoms early, and to know what to do in an emergency situation. Water, rest, and shade are  three key terms to remember when working in hot weather conditions. Heat illness can be prevented and should be monitored closely.