Heat Illness Prevention

The next Steps cover Cal/OSHA safety regulations for preventing Heat Illness.

The topics we will cover in this Navitent are:

-What Is Heat Illness?
-Watch For Symptoms
-Seven Early Symptoms
-Five Life-Threatening Symptoms
-Communicating With Your Supervisor
-Stay Alert To The Weather
-Drink Enough Cool, Fresh Water
-Taking Rest Breaks in the Shade
-Proper Clothing
-Talk To Your Doctor
-Know Your Rights
-More Information

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What Is Heat Illness?

Heat illness includes heat cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.

Workers have died or suffered serious health problems from these conditions.

Watch For Symptoms

Watch for symptoms in yourself and your coworkers.

If you feel any symptoms, tell your coworkers and supervisor immediately because you may need medical help.

Know who to talk to and how to get help before you start each workday.

Seven Early Symptoms

-Fatigue
-Heavy sweating
-Headache
-Cramps
-Dizziness
-High pulse rate
-Nausea/vomiting

Five Life-Threatening Symptoms

-High body temperature
-Red, hot, dry skin
-Confusion
-Convulsions
-Fainting

Communicating With Your Supervisor

If you are new to working in the heat or have had heat illness before it is important to let your supervisor know.

Stay Alert To The Weather

During a heat wave you are at greater risk of getting sick. You need to watch yourself and coworkers more closely, and may need to drink more water, take more breaks, and use other measures.

Drink Enough Cool, Fresh Water

-In hot conditions, drink at least one 8-ounce cup (3 cones) every 15 minutes during your entire work shift (or take appropriate measures to stay hydrated)

-Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water

-Do not drink alcohol. Avoid coffee. Choose water over soft drinks

Take Rest Breaks In The Shade

Always be sure that you are in a shaded area during your rest breaks. If one is not provided, let your supervisor know.

Proper Clothing

Here is a list of what to wear on a hot day:

-Loose fitting, light-weight and light-colored cotton clothes
-Wide-brimmed hat or cap
-Bandana

Talk To Your Doctor

If you have illnesses like diabetes, are taking medicines or are on a low salt diet, talk to your doctor about working in the heat.

Know Your Rights

If you work outdoors, by law, your employer must provide you:

-Enough cool, fresh drinking water throughout the day

-Access to shade or an equally cool spot for at least 5 minutes at a time

-Training on how to prevent heat illness and how to call for emergency services

More Information

If you want more information, call the worker hotline at 1-866-924-9757.

How much did this Navitent help you to understand the Cal/OSHA safety regulations for Preventing Heat Illness, including:

-What Is Heat Illness?
-Watch For Symptoms
-Seven Early Symptoms
-Five Life-Threatening Symptoms
-Communicating With Your Supervisor
-Stay Alert To The Weather
-Drink Enough Cool, Fresh Water
-Taking Rest Breaks in the Shade
-Proper Clothing
-Talk To Your Doctor
-Know Your Rights
-More Information

Select your response below.