Man - it's hot out here! Heat Stress Resources

A few days ago, Gavin Schmidt, the director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, tweeted that "July 2016 was absolutely the hottest month since the instrumental records began."  It is important to remember that while OSHA does not have specific federal heat stress regulations, (California has their own)  employers are still required to protect their employees from the hazards of heat stress. There are a lot of great, free resources out there to help you.  Here are a select few that we really like.

OSHA Heat Safety Tool Smartphone App

OSHA has a great free Heat Safety Tool available for both iPhone and Android devices.  It allows employers to get current heat stress conditions, or enter their own parameters.  It also provides reminders and protective measures you can take to keep employees safe and cool.  (Water!  Shade!)    

Heat Stress Work Site Training Poster

This free poster, available in English and Spanish, covers the symptoms of heat stress, heat stroke, heat stress protective measures, and what to do in the event of a heat emergency.  It's a great heat stress awareness tool.

Heat Stress Work Site Training Poster (English)

Heat Stress Work Site Training Poster (Spanish)

OSHA Heat Stress Illness Prevention Guide

 A helpful guide for performing heat stress safety training.  Includes lesson plans and toolbox talks.

OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Training Guide (English)

OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Training Guide (Spanish)

ADOSH Staying Safe While Working In Extreme Heat Video

A quick video from the Arizona Department of Safety and Health on keeping safe in high heat.

References

• OSHA Heat Illness Awareness Page
• Occupational Heat Exposure Safety and Health Topics
• NIOSH Heat Stress Reference Page