Get Heat Illness Prevention Checklist

Follow the 20% Rule. On the first day, work no more than 20% of the shift's duration at full intensity in the heat. Increase the duration of time at full intensity by no more than 20% a day until workers are used to working in the heat.

In California, employers must take steps to protect outdoor workers from heat illness with water, rest, shade and training.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, they should work shorter workdays in the heat during their first 1-2 weeks. OSHA and NIOSH recommend the "Rule of 20 percent" for building heat tolerance: 20 percent First Day: New workers should work only 20 percent of the normal duration on their first day.

In California, employers must take steps to protect outdoor workers from heat illness with water, rest, shade and training. Heat illness prevention training is required for all outdoor workers and a written prevention plan must be available at all outdoor worksites.

Establish one or more shade areas when the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Shade may be provided by natural or artificial means that do not expose employees to unsafe or unhealthy conditions and that do not discourage access or use. Be open to the air or have mechanical ventilation for cooling.

Take frequent breaks when working outdoors. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sun block and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes when outdoors. At first signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps), move to a cooler location, rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage.

Follow the 20% Rule. On the first day, work no more than 20% of the shift's duration at full intensity in the heat. Increase the duration of time at full intensity by no more than 20% a day until workers are used to working in the heat.

Heat Standards in Specific States The following states have standards for heat exposure: California. California's Heat Illness Prevention Standard requires employers to provide training, water, shade, and planning. A temperature of 80°F triggers the requirements. See CalOSHA's website.

In California, employers must take steps to protect outdoor workers from heat illness with water, rest, shade and training.

There are three simple words: water, rest, shade. Heat illness can be prevented: Drink water often, even if you aren't thirsty; rest in the shade to cool down; report heat symptoms early; know what to do in an emergency.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, they should work shorter workdays in the heat during their first 1-2 weeks. OSHA and NIOSH recommend the "Rule of 20 percent" for building heat tolerance: 20 percent First Day: New workers should work only 20 percent of the normal duration on their first day.

Take frequent breaks when working outdoors. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sun block and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes when outdoors. At first signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps), move to a cooler location, rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage.

In California, employers must take steps to protect outdoor workers from heat illness with water, rest, shade and training. Heat illness prevention training is required for all outdoor workers and a written prevention plan must be available at all outdoor worksites.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, they should work shorter workdays in the heat during their first 1-2 weeks. OSHA and NIOSH recommend the "Rule of 20 percent" for building heat tolerance: 20 percent First Day: New workers should work only 20 percent of the normal duration on their first day.

Establish one or more shade areas when the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Shade may be provided by natural or artificial means that do not expose employees to unsafe or unhealthy conditions and that do not discourage access or use. Be open to the air or have mechanical ventilation for cooling.

Take frequent breaks when working outdoors. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sun block and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes when outdoors. At first signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps), move to a cooler location, rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage.

Heat Standards in Specific States The following states have standards for heat exposure: California. California's Heat Illness Prevention Standard requires employers to provide training, water, shade, and planning. A temperature of 80°F triggers the requirements. See CalOSHA's website.

There are three simple words: water, rest, shade. Heat illness can be prevented: Drink water often, even if you aren't thirsty; rest in the shade to cool down; report heat symptoms early; know what to do in an emergency.

Take frequent breaks when working outdoors. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sun block and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes when outdoors. At first signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps), move to a cooler location, rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, they should work shorter workdays in the heat during their first 1-2 weeks. OSHA and NIOSH recommend the "Rule of 20 percent" for building heat tolerance: 20 percent First Day: New workers should work only 20 percent of the normal duration on their first day.