Heat Stress

Q: In hot weather, workers often comment that PPE (such as safety harnesses, safety vests, hard hats, gloves, etc.) contribute to heat related illness. By trapping body heat close to the body, core body temperatures may rise. Can measures be taken to offset this effect?

A: While heat related illness is a very serious threat, modifying or choosing to not use required PPE is not an acceptable alternative.

Through effectively monitoring the temperature and heat index, you will be able to implement measures that reduce the possibility of heat related illness in your workers. Practices such as more frequent cooling breaks, hydration, effective scheduling of strenuous activities and alternate PPE may be effective.

OSHA Fact Sheets are available that provide information about Heat Related Illness by clicking the link below