OSHA: Heat Illness Protection

Heat stress happens when your body can no longer control its internal temperature. Heat stress can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headache, rapid pulse, nausea, and vomiting. The symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, confusion, and convulsions. Heat stroke can be fatal.

You can prevent heat stress when you are working in a hot environment by drinking water frequently (even if you are not thirsty), resting in the shade when you need to cool down, and wearing a hat and light-colored clothing.

Oregon OSHA’s rules for preventing heat-related illnesses apply to workplaces whenever an employee is working and the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. More requirements apply when the heat index exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit.