Safe Work Reminders for Extreme Heat
NIOSH Heat Index App
With summer approaching, familiarize yourself with these good safety habits to avoid heat-related illness.
Get Acclimatized:
- If new to a job or returning to work after a long absence, take time to acclimatize.
- Start with a light workload and gradually increase working time and effort over one to two weeks.
- New workers need more time to acclimatize to hot temperatures than returning workers.
- Pay close attention to how you feel.
- Additional Resource: NIOSH Acclimatization Fact Sheet
Stay Cool:
- Take breaks in cool areas out of the sun.
- Shorten work times and increase rest times. Additional resource: NIOSH Work/Rest Schedules Fact Sheet
- Schedule outdoor work and activities for early mornings or late evenings.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, quick-drying clothes.
- Wear sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats.
Stay Hydrated:
- Drink water before and after work.
- Drink 1 cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes during work activity. Don't wait until you are thirsty.
- Eat small meals throughout the day for salt, electrolytes and essential minerals.
- Drink sports drinks in moderation.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.
- Do not drink more than 48 oz. (1½ quarts) per hour.
- Additional resource: NIOSH Hydration Fact Sheet
Stay Informed:
- Check local news for extreme heat alerts.
- Download the free OSHA-NIOSH Heat Index App (for iPhone) (for Android).
- Be aware that wearing certain types of personal protective equipment can increase risk of heat exposure.
- Check with your doctor - certain health conditions and medications can increase risk of heat exposure.
- Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and first-aid response. Additional resource: NIOSH First Aid for Heat Illness Fact Sheet
Stay Together:
- Don't work alone; use the buddy system.
- Check in regularly with the people with whom you work.
- Pay extra attention to new workers and those at higher risk.
For more information, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Heat Stress Website.
Topics
Contacts
Danielle Best, campus safety officer
Environmental Health and Safety
479-575-2909,
dbest@uark.edu
Drew Watzke, communications manager
Facilities Management and Transit and Parking
479-718-1524,
ajwatzke@uark.edu
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