Protect Yourself and Others When It’s Hot

We hope you are enjoying your summer like we are. We were talking about what we like the most about the season. Here’s our list of the top ten favorite things about summer:

  1. Barbecues
  2. Beach Days
  3. Going to Amusement Parks
  4. Going to Games
  5. Hanging Out with Family
  1. Hanging Out with Friends
  2. Ice Cream
  3. Swimming
  4. Vacation
  5. WARM WEATHER

Ahh, but that last one, warm weather, can translate to HOT, HOT, HOT. And we’re still working, even while we are enjoying the season. Outdoor and indoor heat exposure can be dangerous. So, we checked at the OSHA site to see what they had to say. Pretty good recommendations.

OSHA Tips to Protect Yourself and Others from Heat Exposure

  • Drink Cool Water
    Drink cool water even if you are not thirsty — at least 1 cup every 20 minutes.
  • Take Rest Breaks
    Take enough time to recover from heat given the temperature, humidity, and conditions.
  • Find Shade or a Cool Area
    Take breaks in a designated shady or cool location.
  • Dress for the Heat
    Wear a hat and light-colored, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing if possible.
  • Watch Out for Each Other
    Monitor yourself and others for signs of heat illness.
  • If Wearing a Face Covering
    Change your face covering if it gets wet or soiled. Verbally check on others frequently.

OSHA Recommendations for First Aid for Heat Illness

The following are signs of a medical emergency!

  • Abnormal thinking or behavior
  • Slurred speech
  • Seizures Loss of consciousness
  1. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY
  2. COOL THE WORKER RIGHT AWAY WITH WATER OR ICE
  3. STAY WITH THE WORKER UNTIL HELP ARRIVES

Watch for any other signs of heat illness and act quickly. When in doubt, call 911.

Link to the OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention >> 

Download Prevent Heat Illness at Work (English)

Download Prevent Heat Illness at Work (Spanish)