CDC - Heat Stress - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic

CDC - Heat Stress - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic

Heat Stress: What Workers Need to Know Many different types of workers are at risk for heat stress and the risks that come with the heat.  Some of those risks are things you might not have thought of - like the risk of injury from sweaty palms or fogged up safety glasses.  You may have heard of others, like heat stroke and heat exhaustion, but do you know how to recognize the signs and what to do? If you need a refresher on staying safe while working in the heat, take a few minutes to brush up. Learn More >>

Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness. Burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam.

Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers, and others. Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat.

Prevention of heat stress in workers is important. Employers should provide training to workers so they understand what heat stress is, how it affects their health and safety, and how it can be prevented.

Features

• NIOSH Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Heat and Hot Environments
  Provides safety professionals and employers an evaluation of the scientific data on heat stress and hot environments, and NIOSH recommendations.
•   Heat Related Illness Poster[PDF - 57 KB]
• NIOSH Fast Facts: Protecting Yourself from Heat Stress
  Print or order this free card for easy access to important safety information.
• NIOSH Infographic: Protect your workers from Heat Stress
  Learn some tips to protect workers including: acclimatization, rest breaks, and fluid recommendations.
• NIOSH Workplace Solution: Preventing Heat-related Illness or Death of Outdoor Workers
  Provides employers and safety professionals with information and case studies.
• OSHA-NIOSH Infosheet: Protecting Workers from Heat Illness
  Provides information to employers on measures they should take to prevent heat-related illnesses and death.
  Now available in ePub format.
• NIOSH Science Blog: Keeping Workers Hydrated and Cool Despite the Heat
  Keeping workers cool and well-hydrated are the best ways to protect them when working in hot environments.
• NIOSH Science Blog: Adjusting to Work in the Heat: Why Acclimatization Matters
  The natural adaptation to the heat takes time, and from a management perspective, it may require careful planning.
• MMWR: Heat Illness and Death Among Workers – United States, 2012-2013
  This report describes findings from a review of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) federal enforcement cases (i.e., inspections) resulting in citations.
• MMWR: Heat-Related Deaths among Crop Workers, 1992-2006
  This report describes a heat-related death and summarizes heat-related fatalities among crop production workers in the United States.
• CDC: Extreme Heat
  Additional information on heat-related illnesses and prevention.