With rising temperatures and increased awareness of heat-related workplace risks, comprehensive heat illness prevention projects are now a top priority for employers. The latest OSHA proposals and state-level regulations offer a clear roadmap for effective prevention strategies in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Core Elements of a Heat Illness Prevention Project
Written Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (HIIPP):
Employers must develop a site-specific, written HIIPP that identifies heat hazards, outlines preventive measures, and details emergency response procedures.
The plan should be accessible to all employees in a language they understand and designate one or more heat safety coordinators.
Heat Triggers and Required Actions:
Initial Heat Trigger (80°F heat index):
Provide at least one quart of cool drinking water per employee per hour.
Ensure access to shaded or cooled rest areas.
Allow paid rest breaks as needed.
Implement acclimatization procedures for new or returning workers.
High Heat Trigger (90°F heat index):
Mandatory paid 15-minute rest breaks at least every two hours.
Pre-shift hazard alerts and increased monitoring for symptoms of heat illness.
Warning signs in areas with extreme heat (e.g., indoor areas above 120°F).
Acclimatization:
Gradually increase workloads for new or returning employees to help them adjust to high temperatures and reduce risk of illness.
Training and Communication:
Provide initial and annual refresher training to all employees working in conditions at or above 80°F.
Training should cover recognizing heat illness symptoms, risk factors, proper hydration, and emergency response.
Supervisors and heat safety coordinators require additional, specialized training.
Emergency Response Procedures:
Clear protocols for responding to heat illness, including emergency contact information and steps for summoning medical help.
Immediate action plans for employees showing signs of heat-related illness.
Recordkeeping and Review:
Maintain records of heat monitoring and incidents for at least six months.
Review and update the HIIPP after any serious heat-related incident or at least annually.
Engineering and Administrative Controls:
Use fans, air conditioning, or other controls to reduce indoor heat.
Schedule strenuous work for cooler parts of the day and rotate tasks to limit heat exposure.
State and Federal Context
OSHA’s proposed national standard would apply to both indoor and outdoor workplaces and is expected to impact up to 36 million workers.
States like California already require similar measures, including access to water, shade, cool-down rest periods, acclimatization, and training for both indoor and outdoor workers.
Best Practice Recommendations
Regularly assess heat risks using tools like OSHA’s Heat Safety Tool.
Engage employees in developing and reviewing the HIIPP.
Foster a culture where taking breaks, hydrating, and reporting symptoms are encouraged and supported.
Tailor prevention measures to specific workplace conditions, recognizing that one-size-fits-all solutions may not be practical for all industries.
A robust heat illness prevention project combines written plans, environmental controls, training, and a proactive safety culture to protect workers from the growing risks of heat exposure. With new regulations on the horizon, employers should act now to review and strengthen their prevention strategies.