In outdoor working environments the risk of heat illness is serious. Heat illness most often occurs with a combination of high outdoor temperature, high humidity and physical work. Even workers who work in mild outdoor temperatures can suffer from heat stress depending on the nature of the work and work gear that may contribute to an increase in body temperature.
Employers with employees who work in outdoor conditions must mitigate the risk of heat-related illnesses to their workers. Employees should be trained to recognize heat stress symptoms and heat conditions and effective preventive and response procedures.
The Outdoor Heat Stress Illness Prevention poster clearly explains heat illnesses, trains employees to recognize dangerous heat levels, and identifies when high-heat procedures are necessary. It also explains the responsibilities of employers and supervisors to ensure workers have water, shade and the opportunity to acclimatize, and access to first aid and emergency intervention if necessary.
Industries most affected by heat stress include:
- Agriculture
- Parks
- Athletics
- Bakeries
- Campgrounds
- Construction & Mining
- Transportation
- Dry Cleaners/Laundries
- Forestry
- Golf & Tennis Clubs
- Landscaping/Nurseries
- Petroleum Workers
- Public Works
- Race Tracks/Stables
- Repair & Maintenance
- Sports Arenas
- Warehouses
Ensure your employees are protected from serious injury. Train them in the language they speak and understand.