Guide to Heat Stress & Heat-Related Illnesses

How Heat Stress Happens

Man working outside. Thermometer reads 98 degrees F (36.1 degrees C)

1

Body’s means of controlling its internal temperature starts to fail

Worker wiping sweat from brow. Thermometr reads 99.7 degrees F (37.6 degrees C)

2

Once body temps reach 99.7°F (37.6°C), heat stress has begun to affect the body

Two paramedics bringing man into the hospital. Thermometer reads 104 degrees F (40 degrees C)

3

Severe illness occurs when body temperature reaches 104°F (40°C)

Common Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat Rash

HOW IT HAPPENS:

Occurs when sweat ducts become clogged and sweat can’t get to the surface of the skin

SYMPTOMS:

Red blister-like eruptions, bumps and an itching sensation

HOW TO TREAT IT:

Keep the skin dry and rest in a cool place

Heat Cramps

HOW IT HAPPENS:

Salt and moisture levels are depleted through excessive perspiration

SYMPTOMS:

Painful spasms usually in the legs or abdomen

HOW TO TREAT IT:

Move to a cool, shaded area, apply something cool, drink plenty of fluids (consider electrolyte solutions)

Heat Exhaustion

HOW IT HAPPENS:

Prolonged exposure to high temps & inadequate hydration causing body temps to rise

SYMPTOMS:

Headaches, weakness, mood change, feeling sick, pale and/or clammy skin

HOW TO TREAT IT:

Move to a cool, shaded area, apply something cool, drink plenty of fluids & monitor

Heat Stroke

HOW IT HAPPENS:

When the body becomes unable to control its core body temp

SYMPTOMS:

Pale skin, nausea, vomiting, confusion

HOW TO TREAT IT:

Seek medical attention immediately

Over 900 U.S. workers were killed and almost 80,000 seriously injured by heat stress between 1992 and 2020.

- Bureau of Labor Statistics

Heat Stress Solutions

Hydration

Make sure your crew keeps on chuggin’.

View hydration solutions

Shade

Give 'em a break from harsh rays.

View shade solutions

Cooling PPE

Water, rest and shade are just the start.

View cooling PPE solutions

Hydration

View all hydration solutions

Shade

View all shade solutions

Cooling PPE

View all cooling PPE

Podcast

View Transcript

Videos

See the Skin Saving Power of Sunscreen in Action

How To Use PPE with Evaporative and Phase Change Cooling Technologies to Prevent Heat Stress

How to Build a Heat Stress Rest & Prevention Station to Keep Workers Safe

Blog Articles

OSHA Heat Stress Standard: An Overview of OSHA’s National Emphasis Program for Heat-Related Illnesses

OSHA’s National Emphasis Program for Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards was recently launched with the goal of protecting millions of workers from heat-related illness. Here’s what it means for you.

4 Major Factors to Prevent Heat-Related Illness and Fatalities

Experts in the athletic field have long studied the impact heat stress can have on athletes of all ages and levels. What can safety managers learn by applying these findings to industrial settings?

Working in the Heat: Outdoor vs. Indoor Heat Stress Prevention Programs

It’s time to face facts—everything on this green earth is getting hotter. 2020 tied the planet’s warmest year ever, joining 18 other record highs set since the turn of the millennium. For workers regularly bearing the brunt of these temps, these trends are not to be taken lightly. But, by developing worksite-specific heat illness prevention plans, safety managers can save lives as soon as today.

Toolbox Talks

Why Shaded Areas are Important For Breaks at Work - Toolbox Talks

In 2014, OSHA kicked off an annual campaign to train and educate workers about heat stress management called Water. Rest. Shade. Focused on shade, this Toolbox Talk can help you educate your crew on the importance of periodically seeking shelter from the sun during the workday.

How to Prevent Dehydration in the Heat - Toolbox talks

In 2014, OSHA kicked off an annual campaign to train and educate workers about heat stress management called Water. Rest. Shade. Use this Toolbox Talk to brief workers on the signs/symptoms of dehydration, as well as effective hydration strategies.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness – Toolbox Talks

If it seems like summers have been getting hotter and more extreme, you’re right. On average, summers over the past decade have been hotter on average and bring more heat waves with temperatures that fall into the “extremely hot” category. This presents a challenge for you as you look to keep your workers safe in extreme weather.

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HEAT STRESS & HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES

How Heat Stress Happens

1

2

3

Common Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat Rash

HOW IT HAPPENS:

SYMPTOMS:

HOW TO TREAT IT:

Heat Cramps

HOW IT HAPPENS:

SYMPTOMS:

HOW TO TREAT IT:

Heat Exhaustion

HOW IT HAPPENS:

SYMPTOMS:

HOW TO TREAT IT:

Heat Stroke

HOW IT HAPPENS:

SYMPTOMS:

HOW TO TREAT IT:

Heat Stress Solutions

Hydration

Shade

Cooling PPE

Hydration

Shade

Cooling PPE

Podcast

Videos

Blog Articles

OSHA Heat Stress Standard: An Overview of OSHA’s National Emphasis Program for Heat-Related Illnesses

4 Major Factors to Prevent Heat-Related Illness and Fatalities

Working in the Heat: Outdoor vs. Indoor Heat Stress Prevention Programs

Toolbox Talks

Why Shaded Areas are Important For Breaks at Work - Toolbox Talks

How to Prevent Dehydration in the Heat - Toolbox talks

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness – Toolbox Talks

GET YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO HEAT STRESS