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Write a toolbox talk on summer

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Published by SALUS

Summer Safety: Heat Stress, Hydration, Sun Exposure, and Outdoor Work Hazards =============================================================================

Date: 2026-07-23

Duration: \[DURATION] minutes

Presenter: \[PRESENTER NAME]

Location: \[LOCATION]

Objective

To help workers recognize heat-related hazards, prevent heat illness, stay hydrated, protect themselves from sun exposure, manage fatigue, and respond quickly and correctly to heat-related emergencies while working safely in summer conditions.

Introduction

Summer work can create serious health and safety risks, especially for workers exposed to direct sun, high temperatures, humidity, heavy physical exertion, or restrictive clothing and PPE. Heat stress can reduce concentration, slow reaction time, and increase the chance of mistakes, falls, equipment incidents, and other traumatic injuries. Heat illness can progress quickly from mild symptoms to a life-threatening emergency, so workers and supervisors must know the warning signs, use water-rest-shade practices, and act early. Outdoor work also brings added hazards such as traffic, crowds, debris, and fatigue, which can combine with heat to increase overall risk.

Presenter Note: Open by asking who has worked in hot weather recently and what conditions made the job harder. Emphasize that heat illness is preventable, but only if workers recognize symptoms early and use controls consistently.

Key Points

1\. Recognize heat stress early and do not ignore symptoms: Heat stress can begin with fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, or irritability. If it is not controlled, it can progress to heat exhaustion and then heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Workers should watch themselves and each other for changes in behavior, slowed movement, confusion, slurred speech, or loss of coordination. Early reporting is critical because a worker may not realize how impaired they are once heat illness starts. [2]

[4] [8]

Watch for confusion, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and unusual fatigue.
Treat heat stroke as an emergency if there is confusion, collapse, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
Do not wait for symptoms to become severe before taking action.
2\. Hydration must be planned, not optional: Workers should drink water regularly throughout the shift, not just when they feel thirsty. Thirst is a late indicator of dehydration, and hot-weather work can quickly deplete body fluids and electrolytes. Water should be readily available, cool, and easy to access. For longer or more strenuous work, electrolyte replacement drinks may be appropriate, but alcohol, excessive caffeine, and sugary drinks should not be relied on for hydration. Supervisors should build water breaks into the work plan and encourage workers to drink before, during, and after exposure. [2]

[8] [12]

Drink small amounts frequently instead of waiting until you feel thirsty.
Use water breaks as part of the normal work routine.
Replace fluids lost through sweating, especially during heavy labor or long shifts.
3\. Sun exposure and UV protection are part of heat safety: Direct sunlight increases heat load and raises the risk of sunburn, dehydration, and fatigue. Sunburn can happen quickly and makes the body work harder to cool itself. Workers should use protective clothing, hats, sunscreen, and shade whenever possible. UV protection is especially important for workers with long outdoor exposure, reflective surfaces, or limited shade. Protecting skin and eyes also helps reduce distraction and discomfort that can lead to mistakes. [4]

[11] [8]

Use shade during breaks and whenever the task allows.
Apply sunscreen to exposed skin and reapply as needed.
Wear clothing that reduces direct sun exposure without trapping excessive heat.
4\. Outdoor work hazards increase when heat is combined with traffic, crowds, and debris: Summer work often means more vehicles, more pedestrians, holiday activity, and more distractions around the jobsite. Heat can reduce alertness and reaction time, which makes traffic exposure, equipment operation, and walking surfaces more dangerous. Debris from seasonal events, fireworks, camping activity, or increased public use of work areas can create trip, cut, and fire hazards. Workers must stay alert to changing site conditions and maintain good housekeeping and traffic control. [1]

[1] [5]

Expect slower traffic and more pedestrians during summer months.
Keep work areas clear of debris and ignition sources.
Use extra caution when moving through shared public spaces or roadways.
5\. Fatigue and restrictive PPE can make heat illness worse: Fatigue reduces judgment, coordination, and attention, and it can make heat illness more likely. Restrictive or nonbreathing clothing and PPE can trap heat and sweat, making it harder for the body to cool itself. Workers wearing chemical-resistant suits, vapor-barrier clothing, or other bulky PPE need closer monitoring, more frequent breaks, and a lower threshold for rest and recovery. Supervisors should adjust the pace of work and rotate tasks when possible. [3]

[5] [9]

Plan more rest when work is physically demanding or PPE is heavy.
Watch for signs of heat fatigue in new workers and workers returning after time away.
Do not assume a worker can tolerate the same heat load every day.

Hazard Identification

Common summer work hazards include environmental heat, direct sun, dehydration, fatigue, restrictive PPE, and increased site activity from traffic and pedestrians. These hazards can act together and quickly escalate from discomfort to serious injury if they are not controlled.

High temperature and humidity causing heat stress and heat illness: Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, collapse, hospitalization, or death if the worker is not cooled and treated promptly. [8]

[4]

(Risk: High)

Dehydration from inadequate fluid intake: Reduced sweating and cooling ability, headache, dizziness, weakness, poor concentration, and increased likelihood of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. [2]

[11]

(Risk: High)

Direct sun exposure and UV radiation: Sunburn, skin damage, eye strain, increased body heat load, fatigue, and reduced ability to focus on tasks. [11]

[4]

(Risk: Medium)

Fatigue and reduced alertness during long summer shifts: Poor judgment, slower reaction time, slips, trips, falls, struck-by incidents, and errors in equipment operation or driving. [3]

[5]

(Risk: High)

Increased traffic, pedestrians, and site congestion during summer months: Vehicle strikes, pedestrian incidents, delayed emergency response, and distraction from work tasks. [1]

[1]

(Risk: Medium)

Presenter Note: Ask the crew which hazards are most likely on today’s jobsite: heat, traffic, sun, PPE, or fatigue. Tie the discussion to actual tasks, locations, and the day’s weather forecast.

Control Measures

Use the hierarchy of controls to reduce heat risk. Start with engineering controls where possible, such as shade, ventilation, fans, air-conditioned recovery areas, and work aids that reduce physical exertion. Next use administrative controls such as scheduling heavy work for cooler hours, rotating tasks, increasing rest breaks, and acclimatizing new or returning workers. PPE and personal behaviors, such as breathable clothing, sunscreen, hats, and hydration, are important but should be used as the last line of defense rather than the only control.

Provide water, rest, and shade as the primary heat controls: Make cool drinking water available at the work area, schedule frequent rest breaks, and ensure shaded or air-conditioned recovery space is accessible. Increase break frequency as heat and workload rise. [13]

[8]

Use acclimatization for new, returning, and unaccustomed workers: Gradually increase exposure to hot conditions over 7 to 14 days. Closely observe new workers, workers returning after time away, and crews during heat waves. Do not assign full heat exposure on day one. [5]

[12]

Adjust work schedules to reduce peak heat exposure: Move strenuous tasks to cooler parts of the day, slow the pace of work when conditions worsen, and add personnel or rotate tasks to reduce individual workload. [2]

[10]

Monitor workers for early signs of heat illness and use a buddy system: Train workers to check each other for confusion, heavy sweating, dizziness, slowed movement, and unusual behavior. Stop work and intervene early when symptoms appear. [12]

[8]

Reduce heat load from clothing and PPE where feasible: Select the lightest protective ensemble that still provides required protection, and plan shorter work periods with more recovery time when nonbreathing or bulky PPE is required. Remove or loosen unnecessary layers during breaks when safe to do so. [9]

[5]

Control sun exposure and UV risk: Use shade structures, hats, sunscreen, and protective clothing. Reapply sunscreen as needed and encourage workers to seek shade during breaks and task delays. [4]

[8]

Safe Work Procedures

Check the weather, heat index, and site conditions before starting work. Identify tasks that will create the highest heat load and plan controls before the shift begins. [11]
Start the day hydrated and continue drinking water at regular intervals throughout the shift. Do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink. [10]

[8]

Take scheduled breaks in shade, a cool area, or air-conditioned space. Increase rest time when the temperature, humidity, workload, or PPE burden increases. [13]

[2]

Watch for signs of heat illness in yourself and coworkers. Stop work and report symptoms immediately if anyone becomes dizzy, confused, weak, nauseated, or stops sweating normally. [2]

[8]

Use safe driving and pedestrian practices around summer traffic, visitors, and public activity. Expect delays and maintain awareness near roads, parking areas, and shared access routes. [1]

Presenter Note: Walk the group through the shift from start to finish: pre-job planning, hydration, work/rest cycles, symptom recognition, and what to do if someone becomes ill. Reinforce that early action prevents emergencies.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

Lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing: Wear breathable clothing that allows sweat to evaporate and reduces heat buildup. Avoid heavy, dark, or restrictive clothing when the task allows. If protective clothing is required, plan for shorter work periods and more frequent recovery breaks because PPE can trap heat and increase exertion. [8]

[9]

Choose breathable fabrics when task requirements allow.
Avoid unnecessary layers during hot-weather work.
Change out of sweat-soaked clothing during breaks if practical and safe.
Sun hat or hard-hat sun protection: Use a hat or approved sun-shield attachment where compatible with the task and head protection requirements. The goal is to reduce direct sun exposure to the face, neck, and scalp without interfering with required head protection. [11]
Ensure the accessory does not compromise the hard hat fit or stability.
Use shade whenever possible even when wearing a hat.
Sunscreen with adequate SPF: Apply sunscreen to exposed skin before sun exposure and reapply according to product instructions, especially after sweating. Sunscreen supports, but does not replace, shade and protective clothing. [4]
Cover ears, neck, face, and other exposed areas.
Reapply during long shifts or after heavy sweating.
Eye protection with anti-fog considerations: Wear safety glasses or goggles that protect against job hazards and reduce the chance of fogging in hot, humid conditions. Fogged lenses can reduce visibility and increase the risk of slips, trips, falls, and struck-by incidents. [5]
Clean lenses regularly and replace damaged eyewear.
Use anti-fog options when available and approved.

PPE is necessary for many tasks, but it can also increase heat stress. Make sure PPE is worn correctly, maintained in good condition, and removed only when it is safe and permitted to do so. Never assume PPE alone will control heat risk; combine it with water, rest, shade, and work planning.

Real-World Example or Case Study

A worker spent several hours outdoors doing heavy labor in direct sun. He began sweating heavily, felt nauseated, and developed a headache. His supervisor noticed he was moving more slowly than usual and asked about his condition. The supervisor moved him to shade, gave him a cool drink, wetted him with cool water, and called for help when symptoms did not improve. The lesson is simple: early recognition, quick cooling, and prompt escalation can prevent a heat emergency from becoming fatal. [7] [7]

Presenter Note: Use this example to show how supervisors can spot subtle changes before a worker collapses. Ask the group what warning signs were present and what the supervisor did right.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

What signs of heat stress would make you stop work and tell a supervisor immediately?
What can we change on this job today to improve water, rest, and shade access?
How will we adjust work if a worker is wearing heavy or nonbreathing PPE?

Presenter Note: Encourage workers to answer from their own experience. Keep the discussion practical by linking answers to the actual tasks, weather, and PPE used on site.

Emergency Procedures

Move the affected worker to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned area immediately and do not leave them alone. [8]

[6]

Loosen or remove heavy clothing and begin active cooling with cool water, fanning, misting, or wet cloths. If the worker is conscious and not nauseated, give small sips of cool water. [8]

[6]

Call 911 immediately if the worker shows signs of heat stroke, such as confusion, collapse, seizures, or loss of consciousness, or if the condition worsens. [3]

[8]

Questions and Answers

Ask questions at any time. If you are unsure whether a symptom is heat exhaustion or heat stroke, treat it seriously, cool the worker, and get medical help immediately when in doubt.

Q: Why is heat illness so dangerous on the job?

A: Heat illness can reduce concentration and coordination, leading to mistakes and traumatic injuries, and it can progress to heat stroke, which can be fatal if not treated quickly. [3] [4]

Q: How much water should workers drink in hot conditions?

A: Workers should drink water frequently throughout the shift, typically about 1 cup every 15 to 20 minutes during moderate work in the heat, and water must be readily available at the worksite. [8] [12]

Q: What should we do first if someone shows signs of heat exhaustion?

A: Move the worker to a cool shaded area, do not leave them alone, loosen clothing, cool them with water and fanning, and get medical help if symptoms worsen or do not improve. [6] [6]

Summary

Recap of main points:

Heat stress is preventable when workers recognize symptoms early and act before the condition becomes severe. [4]
Water, rest, shade, and acclimatization are the core controls for summer safety. [13]

[5]

Sun exposure, fatigue, traffic, and PPE can all increase the risk of injury during hot-weather work. [5]

[1]

If a worker shows signs of heat stroke, call 911 and begin cooling immediately. [8]

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

Drink water regularly throughout the shift and start the day hydrated. [10]
Use shade, rest breaks, and task rotation to reduce heat load and fatigue. [2]

[10]

Report heat symptoms immediately in yourself or a coworker and do not continue working through them. [2]
Protect skin and eyes from sun exposure with sunscreen, clothing, and shade. [4]
Stay alert for traffic, pedestrians, and debris that increase during summer work periods. [1]

Remember: Water. Rest. Shade. Watch each other. Act early on heat illness.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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Sources used for this answer

[1] Heat stress card

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WORKER HEALTH AND SAFETY # HEAT EXHAUSTION ## SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE: Headaches, dizziness, light-headedness, weakness, personality changes, irritability or confusion, feeling sick to your stomach, vomiting, fainting, decreased and dark- colored urine, and pale, clammy skin. ## WHAT SHOULD BE DONE: • Move them to a cool, shaded area. Don't leave them alone. If they are dizzy or light-headed, lay them on their back and raise their legs about 6-8 inches. If they are sick to their stomach, lay them on their side. • Loosen and remove heavy clothing. - Have them drink some cool water (a small cup every 15 minutes) if they are sick to their stomach. • Try to cool them by fanning. Cool their skin with a cool spray mist of water or wet cloth. • If their condition worsens, call 911 for emergency help. If heat exhaustion is not treated, the illness may advance to heat stroke. OSHA Oregon OSHA Department of Consumer and Business Services 440-3333E-S (06/22/COM) # HEAT STROKE-A Medical Emergency ## SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE: Dry, pale skin (no sweating); hot, red skin (looks like a sunburn); personality changes; irritability, confusion, and not making any sense; seizures or fits, and collapse (will not respond). ## WHAT SHOULD BE DONE: • Call 911 for emergency help. • Move those suffering to a cool, shaded area. Don't leave them alone. Lay them on their back and if they are having seizures, remove close objects for safety. If they are sick to their stomach, lay them on their side. - Remove heavy and outer clothing. - Have them drink some cool water (a small cup every 15 minutes) if they are alert and not feeling sick to their stomach. • Try to cool them by fanning. Cool the skin with a cool spray mist of water, wet cloth, or wet sheet. • If ice is available, place ice packs in armpits and groin area. Heat Stress App and Oregon OSHA Permanent Heat Rules (effective June 2022): osha.oregon.gov, A to Z topic index, Heat Stress ## Heat Stress Table Be aware of…

[2] Heat Stress Training PowerPoint

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# Water, Rest, Shade The three biggest things for employers to remember is to provide water, rest, and shade. • Employers should provide cool water for workers to drink. Proper hydration is key in preventing heat illness. It is also a good idea to provide drinks with electrolytes, because electrolytes are lost when we sweat. • When heat stress is high, employers should require workers to take breaks. The length and frequency of rest breaks should increase as heat stress rises. - Workers should be given a cool location where they can take their breaks and recover from the heat. • Outdoors, this might mean a shady area, an air-conditioned vehicle, a nearby building or tent, or an area with fans and misting devices. • Indoors, workers should be allowed to rest in a cool or air-conditioned area away from heat sources such as ovens and furnaces. VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY

[3] Toolbox Talk: Heat-Related Hazards & Controls

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# HEAT-RELATED HAZARDS & CONTROLS Date Posted: 02/17/2024 Workers exposed to extreme heat or working in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. For example, heat stress can result in heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of traumatic injuries as it may result in poor grip, fogged-up safety glasses, and problems with balance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), high temperatures can be dangerous to people at work and can lead to injuries, illnesses, and even death. Exposure to environmental heat led to 37 work-related deaths and 2,830 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses involving days away from work in 2020. Thirty-three of the 37 fatal work injuries caused by exposure to environmental heat occurred in the summer months of June through September. On June 27, 2023, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) adopted updates to Outdoor Heat Exposure rules to prevent heat- related illness and reduce traumatic injuries associated with heat exposure. The adopted rules include requirements for shade, rest, and acclimatization and lowers the temperatures at which some preventive actions must be taken. ## WASHINGTON STATE ACTION LEVELS Clothing/PPE Worn Action Level Temperature Nonbreathing clothing, including vapor-barrier clothing or chemical-resistant suits 52° All other clothing 80° ## THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCLIMATIZATION Workers are at higher risk of heat-related illness if they are not acclimatized or used to the heat. Acclimatization typically takes 7-14 days to develop and can be lost after seven days away from working in the heat. A sudden increase in temperature does not allow time for workers to acclimate. Acclimatization is a process by which the physical processes of a worker's body adjust to the environment over some time. Based on data obtained from…

[4] Toolbox Talk: Heat Stress

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# HEAT STRESS ## Date Posted: 09/08/2016 Washington State can be known for its extreme temperatures. The temperature can change 20 degrees from one day to the next. Excessive heat can contribute to accidents in many ways. It becomes more difficult to concentrate on the job and this can lead to errors in judgment. It is important to be aware of the danger signs. When wearing restrictive clothing, even lower temperature can be dangerous. ## HEAT EXHAUSTION SYMPTOMS • Person is dazed, staggers, or becomes dizzy. • Person may present symptoms of nausea or vomiting and the person can feel chilly. • Person's face looks pale. • Person has weak pulse and body temperature is below normal. • Person is heavily sweating with clammy/moist skin. ## HEAT EXHAUSTION PREVENTION • Avoid ice water while working - Drink plenty of liquids, preferably water, every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty • Avoid heavy, fatty-type foods • Wear light colored clothing • Avoid fatigue; get plenty of rest REMEMBER: Alcohol consumption off work hours can still contribute to dehydration the next day. ## WHAT TO DO • Move person to a cooler place. Do not leave alone. • Loosen and remove heavy clothing that restricts evaporative cooling . If conscious, provide small amounts of cool water to drink • Remember three simple words: water, rest, shade. ## HEAT STROKE • More severe symptoms of heat exhaustion • Sweating may or may not be present • Red or flushed, hot, dry skin • Bizarre behavior • Mental confusion or losing consciousness ## WHAT TO DO • Call 911 for emergency medical assistance • Keep the victim lying down with their head lower than their feet. • Loosen the victim's clothing. • Give fluids if possible. Avoid ice water and alcohol. Salt solutions are best. Remember: Heat illness can be life threatening. The body is reacting to a life threatening situation. Do not take chances. Prevent Heat illness by being proactive.

[5] Heat Stress

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# Heat Stress (cont.) ## Monitoring (cont.) 8" DEPARTMENT of LABOR US VIRGIN ISLANDS VIDOSH 70% -100° 60% 95 50% 90 40% 85" 30% 80 Lidity mpora # Heat Stress ## Prevention Proper training and preventive measures will help avert serious illness and loss of work productivity. Preventing heat stress is particularly important because once someone suffers from heat stroke or heat exhaustion, that person may be predisposed to additional heat injuries. To avoid heat stress, management should take the following steps: - Adjust work schedules: • Modify work/rest schedules according to monitoring requirements. • Mandate work slowdowns as needed. • Rotate personnel: alternate job functions to minimize overstress or overexertion at one task. • Add additional personnel to work teams. • Perform work during cooler hours of the day if possible or at night if adequate lighting can be provided. • Provide shelter (air-conditioned, if possible) or shaded areas to protect personnel during rest periods. - Maintain workers' body fluids at normal levels. This is necessary to ensure that the cardiovascular system functions adequately. Daily fluid intake must approximately equal the amount of water lost in sweat, i.e., 8 fluid ounces (0.23 liters) of water must be ingested for approximately every 8 ounces (0.23 kg) of weight lost. The normal thirst mechanism is not sensitive enough to ensure that enough water will be drunk to replace lost sweat. When heavy sweating occurs, encourage the worker to drink more. The following strategies may be useful: - Maintain water temperature at 50° to 60°F (10° to 15.6°C). • - Provide small disposable cups that hold about 4 ounces (0.1 liter). • Have workers drink 16 ounces (0.5 liters) of fluid (preferably water or dilute drinks) before beginning work. . Urge workers to drink a cup or two every 15 to 20 minutes, or at each monitoring break. A total of 1 to 1.6 gallons (4 to 6 liters) of fluid per day are recommended, but mor…

[6] Toolbox Talk: Hot Weather

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CPWR TOOLBOX RESEARCH AND TRAINING THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION TALK Hot Environments Exposure to extreme heat can result in illness and injury. Working in a hot environment can cause heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rash. In addition, heat increases the risk of injury for workers because of sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness. Burns also can occur when a worker comes in contact with a hot surface or steam. ## Ben's Story Ben had been outside for several hours in extremely hot temperatures laying brick. He began to feel nauseated, his head ached, and he was sweating heavily. His supervisor noticed Ben was working much slower than usual and asked him how he felt. When he heard the symptoms, he called 911, took Ben to the shade, gave him a cool drink, and wetted him with cool water and ice. - Have you or someone you know ever experienced a heat-related illness on the job? If so, what happened? - What can you do to help avoid heat-related illnesses? ## Remember This ➤ Your employers should train you on heat hazards and their plan to prevent heat-related illnesses. - Take frequent breaks in the shade or in air conditioning. - Drink plenty of water - stay hydrated. During moderate work in the heat for less than 2 hours, you should drink 1 cup (8 ounces) of water every 15–20 minutes. If you will be sweating for several hours, you will need sports drinks. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugar. ## Recognize the signs of heat illnesses in yourself and your co-workers: - Signs of heat stroke include - confusion ○ hot, dry skin or profuse sweating - slurred speech ○ unconsciousness - seizures ° high body temperature - Signs of heat exhaustion include - headache - nausea - dizziness ○ thirst 。 heavy sweating - weakness - o high body temperature ○ irritability ○ low urine output If a co-worker has signs of heat exhaustion: Call 911. Get the worker to shade and cool them down by removing clo…

[7] Toolbox Talk: Heat-Related Hazards & Controls

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# SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS <table><tr><th>Heat-Related Illness</th><th>Symptoms and Signs</th></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Confusion</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Slurred speech</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Unconsciousness</td></tr><tr><td>Heat stroke</td><td>• Seizures</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Heavy sweating or hot, dry skin</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Very high body temperature</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Rapid heart rate</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Fatigue</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Irritability</td></tr><tr><td></td><td> Thirst</td></tr><tr><td>Heat exhaustion</td><td>• Nausea or vomiting</td></tr><tr><td></td><td> Dizziness or lightheadedness</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Heavy sweating</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Elevated body temperature or fast heart rate</td></tr><tr><td></td><td> Muscle spasms or pain</td></tr><tr><td>Heat cramps</td><td>• Usually in legs, arms, or trunk</td></tr><tr><td></td><td> Fainting</td></tr><tr><td>Heat syncope</td><td> Dizziness</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Clusters of red bumps on the skin</td></tr><tr><td>Heat rash</td><td> Often appears on the neck, upper chest, and skin folds</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>• Muscle pain</td></tr><tr><td>Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)</td><td>• Dark urine or reduced urine output • Weakness</td></tr></table> ## HEAT STRESS CONTROLS Engineering Controls - The best way to prevent heat-related illness for indoor workers is to make the work environment cooler. Wherever possible, use air conditioning to cool the work area. Alternatively, increase the general ventilation as much as possible by opening windows or doors. When available, use cooling fans to aid in increasing ventilation. Safe Work Practices - Employees working outdoors or indoors without air conditioning or ventilation take scheduled breaks in cool and shaded areas. Ensure plenty of cool water to drink, and take water breaks as needed. Immediately report any problems to a supervisor. Supervisors should consider scheduling the …

[8] SC OSHA FACT SHEET: Protecting Workers from the Effects of Heat

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# Protecting Workers from the Effects of Heat (cont.) ## What is Heat Illness? (cont.) South Carolina OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Heat Rash is the most common problem in hot work environments. Heat rash is caused by sweating and looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. Heat rash may appear on the neck, upper chest, groin, under the breasts and elbow creases. The best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less humid work environment. The rash area should be kept dry. Powder may be applied to increase comfort. Ointments and creams should not be used on a heat rash. Anything that makes the skin warm or moist may make the rash worse ## Occupational Factors that May Contribute to Heat Illness • High temperature and humidity • Low fluid consumption • Direct sun exposure (with no shade) or extreme heat • Limited air movement (no breeze or wind) • Physical exertion • Use of bulky protective clothing and equipment For more information, visit: https://osha.llr.sc.gov # PREVENTION MADE EASY ## Program Elements Heat Illness Prevention Program Key elements include: • A Person Designated to Oversee the Heat Illness Prevention Program • Hazard Identification • Water. Rest. Shade Message • Acclimatization • Modified Work Schedules • Training • Monitoring for Signs and Symptoms - Emergency Planning and Response ## Designate a Person to Oversee the Heat Stress Program Identify someone trained in the hazards, physiological responses to heat, and controls. This person can develop, implement and manage the program. ## Hazard Identification Hazard identification involves recognizing heat hazards and the risk of heat illness due to high temperature, humidity, sun and other thermal exposures, work demands, clothing or PPE and personal risk factors. Identification tools include: OSHA's Heat Smartphone App; a Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer (WBGT) which is a…

[9] Protect Your Workers From Heat Stress

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PROTECT YOUR WORKERS FROM HEAT STRESS ## Develop an acclimatization plan Acclimatization is the result of beneficial physiological adaptations (e.g., increased sweating efficiency and stabilization of the circulation) that occur after gradual increased exposure to a hot environment. TIP 1 TIP 2 Gradually increase the time spent in hot environmental conditions over a 7-14 day period. For new workers, the schedule should be no more than 20% exposure to heat on day 1 and an increase of no more than 20% exposure on each additional day. ## TIP 3 ✓ they don't have heat-related symptoms. For workers who have had previous experience with the job, the acclimatization schedule should be no more than: <table><tr><th>DAY 1</th><th>DAY 2</th><th>DAY 3</th><th>DAY 4</th></tr><tr><td>50%</td><td>60%</td><td>80%</td><td>100%</td></tr><tr><td>EXPOSURE</td><td>EXPOSURE</td><td>EXPOSURE</td><td>EXPOSURE</td></tr></table> ## Set up a buddy system Check your workers routinely to make sure... - they make use of readily available water and shade. ## Schedule and encourage frequent rest breaks... ...with water breaks in shaded or air-conditioned recovery areas. ## Emphasize the need for appropriate clothing Encourage workers to wear clothing that is... light-colored breathable - loose-fitting ## Encourage workers to drink plenty of fluids... ...such as drinking small amounts of water before becoming thirsty. Cotton clothing can be soaked in water to aid cooling. Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress. mm During moderate activity in moderately hot conditions, workers should drink about... 1 cup every 15 to 20 minutes. Learn more about heat stress at: www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health CDC Workplace Safety and Heath NIOSH

[10] OSHA Quick Card: Heat Stress

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OSHACK CARD™ # Protect Yourself Heat Stress When the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress or heat exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke can occur, and can result in death. ## Factors Leading to Heat Stress High temperature and humidity; direct sun or heat; limited air movement; physical exertion; poor physical condition; some medicines; and inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces. ## Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion • Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. • Weakness and moist skin. • Mood changes such as irritability or confusion. - Upset stomach or vomiting. ## Symptoms of Heat Stroke • Dry, hot skin with no sweating. - Mental confusion or losing consciousness. • Seizures or convulsions. ## Preventing Heat Stress - Know signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses; monitor yourself and coworkers. - Block out direct sun or other heat sources. • Use cooling fans/air-conditioning; rest regularly. - Drink lots of water; about 1 cup every 15 minutes. • Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes. • Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals. ## What to Do for Heat-Related Illness Call 911 (or local emergency number) at once. - While waiting for help to arrive: • Move the worker to a cool, shaded area. • Loosen or remove heavy clothing. • Provide cool drinking water. • Fan and mist the person with water. For more complete information: Occupational OSHA Safety and Health Administration U.S. Department of Labor www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA OSHA 3154-07R-06

[11] Toolbox Talk: Summer Safety

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# SUMMER SAFETY Date Posted: 08/17/2016 With warmer weather and longer work days for construction workers, it is important to be informed about simple measures that can provide for a safe and healthy workforce. • Taking breaks in the shade or cool area will help from heat stress and heat stroke. - Drink liquids that will hydrate you. Soda pop and coffee beverages can contribute to dehydration. Choose water, iced tea, lemonade and hydration drinks such as Gatorade. • Be aware of additional traffic and people. Allow for slower traffic and delayed arrival times at your destination. Schools are out for summer and there will be more vehicles occupying the roads. ## SUMMER MONTHS BRING HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS • The Fourth of July often brings fireworks and extra debris. • Ensure that you have fire extinguishers in handy areas to respond to fire and insure that the work site is free of debris. • Camping is in full swing during the summer months. Insure that you watch out for increased pedestrian traffic. ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION: • Why is it important for me to increase my fluid intake during the summer? • Traffic is increased due to additional visitors arriving in our region. What impact does this have on my job and safety? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read the Tool Box Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic. - Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Tool Box Talk relevant to your jobsite. • Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives discussion. Funding and support for this project has been provided by the State of Washington, Department of Labor & Industries.

[12] Heat Stress

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DEPARTMENT US VIRGIN ISLANDS 8" of LABOR VIDOSH 70% -100° 60% 95 50% 90 40% 85" 30% 80 Lidity mpora # Heat Stress §1910.120(g)(5)(x) Wearing PPE puts any worker at considerable risk of developing heat stress. This can result in health effects ranging from transient heat fatigue to serious illness or death. Heat stress is caused by a number of interacting factors, including environmental conditions, clothing, workload, and the individual characteristics of the worker. Because heat stress is probably one of the most common (and potentially serious) illnesses at hazardous waste sites, regular monitoring and other preventive precautions are vital. Individuals vary in their susceptibility to heat stress. Factors that may predispose someone to heat stress include: . Lack of physical fitness. • Lack of acclimatization. • Age. - Dehydration. • Obesity. • Alcohol and drug use. • Infection. • Sunburn. • Diarrhea. • Chronic disease. MY II AI Reduced work tolerance and the increased risk of excessive heat stress is directly influenced by the amount and type of PPE worn. PPE adds weight and bulk, severely reduces the body's access to normal heat exchange mechanisms (evaporation, convection, and radiation), and increases energy expenditure. Therefore, when selecting PPE, each item's benefit should be carefully evaluated in relation to its potential for increasing the risk of heat stress. Once PPE is selected, the safe duration of work/rest periods should be determined based on the: • Anticipated work rate. • Ambient temperature and other environmental factors. • Type of protective ensemble. - Individual worker characteristics and fitness.

[13] Toolbox Talk: Heat Exhaustion

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# HEAT EXHAUSTION Last Review: 08/01/2025 Date Posted: 09/09/2016 Working in the heat and doing heavy physical work can affect the body's cooling system. If your body is unable to cool itself, you can experience heat stress. If heat stress is not treated, it can develop into heat stroke, which can result in death. Heat Exposure applies to outdoor work environments from May 1 through September 30, when employees are exposed to outdoor heat at or above an applicable temperature listed in Table 1. WAC 296-62-[redacted postal code]. Remember, heat exposure can happen anytime of the year, as well as indoors. ## SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS • Shallow breathing • Increased breathing rate • Weak, rapid pulse • Cool, pale, clammy skin • Sweating • Weakness, fatigue, dizziness • Headache and nausea - Fainting • Muscle cramps ## TREATMENT • Move the worker to a cooler environment. If possible, lay the worker down, and remove or loosen tight-fitting clothing. • Cool the worker by sponging with cool water and fanning. Take care not to cool the worker too much. If the worker begins to shiver, stop cooling. - In most cases, the patient's symptoms will improve dramatically within 30 minutes. - Call 911 immediately if there are signs of Heat Stroke (confusion, agitation, absence of sweating or loss of consciousness). ## PREVENTION • - Acclimatize your body (gradually expose yourself to warmer work environments). • Drink plenty of water (one glass every 20 minutes). • Wear clean, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabric. • Take rest breaks in a cool or well-ventilated area. • Take more breaks during the hottest part of the day or when doing hard physical work. Allow your body to cool down before beginning again. • Take care not to burn. This can occur in as little as 10 minutes • If desired, apply high factor sun-screen generously and frequently to any parts of the body exposed to the sun; SPF15 or above • Remember to - hydrate before yo…

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Publisher: SALUS
Final reviewer: Francis Langlois
Original answer: Jul 23, 2026

Who, how, and why

Rosie, the contractors' AI Admin & Risk Assistant, works across the operational workflows to take care of the busy work, make capture in the field effortless, surface risk, and create business-ready outputs—without removing human judgment.

Rosie was grounded in a curated, human-created, SALUS-verified source library and retrieved relevant material for each question. SALUS published the English answer exactly as generated after duplicate screening. Francis Langlois reviewed the English content.

Rosie was offered as a free tool so people could ask real workplace-safety questions and receive immediate guidance. SALUS is preserving these human-requested answers because the same questions recur across jobsites and safety teams, and because the resulting threads can help people compare experience, clarify guidance and find relevant supporting material.

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Chemical safety Emergency response Equipment safety Hazard assessment Heat and cold stress Incident management Personal protective equipment Safety training

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