Heat Illness Prevention

Category: Heat & Weather Time: 5–10 min Audience: All Workers

The basics: Water. Rest. Shade.

Drink one quart of cool water every hour during hot work — not just when you're thirsty. Thirst is a sign you're already behind on hydration. Rest in shaded or cool areas regularly. Don't skip breaks to work faster.

Acclimatization

New workers and anyone returning after a week or more off need time to adjust. Most heat deaths happen in the first few days. Start with lighter duty or shorter heat exposure and build up over 7–14 days.

Heat exhaustion

Heavy sweating, weakness, cold or clammy skin, fast weak pulse, nausea. Move to a cool area immediately, loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths, drink water. If symptoms don't improve in 15 minutes — call 911.

Heat stroke — call 911 immediately

Temperature above 103°F, hot red skin, rapid strong pulse, possible unconsciousness. This is life-threatening. Call 911. Cool the person immediately with whatever is available — cold water immersion is best. Do not give fluids if unconscious.

Discussion question

Where is the nearest water supply and shaded rest area from today's work location?

Documentation Reminder

Record this meeting: date, topic ("Heat Illness Prevention"), names of attendees, and facilitator. A sign-in sheet filed with your safety records is your proof of training. OSHA considers documented safety meetings as evidence of good faith.