OSHA Gives Advice for Workers in Summer Heat

Every summer, employees who work outdoors experience hot weather and the potential for heat-related illnesses. Now that summer has begun, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is giving all employers and employees nationwide advice about its safety and health resources to help prevent heat stress and heat stroke.

"Every outdoor jobsite faces hazards posed by the sun and heat," said OSHA's Assistant Secretary of Labor Edwin G. Foulke Jr. "We are encouraging employers and employees to take advantage of our published resources that offer sound advice to recognize and prevent heat stress and other heat-related illnesses."

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the two most serious forms of heat related illnesses. The symptoms include weakness, headaches and dizziness. Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for employees in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and all employers and employees need to take appropriate actions to prevent heat stress and heat stroke during this time of the year.