KEY TAKEAWAY
Be proactive in eliminating illnesses by drinking water, resting in the shade, rotating staff and arranging schedules to avoid the hottest time of the day. Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Heat-related illnesses include the following (increasing in severity):
Take these steps to reduce heat illness:
Know the signs and symptoms. Make sure employees are reminded to look for signs and symptoms in each other. We don’t always recognize our own signs and symptoms.
Make sure you allow time to become acclimated (gradually build up exposure to heat).
Implement work/rest cycles. Rest in the shade or in air conditioning.
If possible, modify work schedules to perform the most strenuous activity during cooler times of the day.
Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated; avoid caffeinated beverages. Drink water in small amounts, but frequently.
Watch a short (2 min) heat illness prevention video:
