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Heat Illness Prevention 

Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes.

Learn to recognize the symptoms of heat stress

Employers and workers should become familiar with the heat symptoms. When any of these symptoms is present, time is of the essence. These conditions can worsen quickly and result in fatalities. When in doubt, cool the worker and call University Police (631-632-3333).

OSHA Heat-Related Illnesses and First Aid 

Heat-related illnesses can be prevented

  • Hydrate before, during and after work. Drink 1 cup of cool water every 20 minutes even if you aren’t thirsty. For longer jobs, drinks with electrolytes are best. Avoid energy drinks and alcohol.
  • Find shade or a cool area for rest breaks that allow your body to recover.
  • Dress for the heat. A hat and light-colored, loose-fitting (where allowed), breathable clothing are ideal.
  • If wearing a face covering, change it if it becomes wet or soiled. Check on others verbally often.
  • Not everyone tolerates heat the same way. Understand personal risk factors.
  • Understanding engineering controls, work practices, and PPE.

Get the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool for your Smartphone

OSHA NIOSH Heat Stress APP LOGOThe OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool is a useful resource for planning outdoor work activities based on how hot it feels throughout the day. It has a real-time heat index and hourly forecasts specific to your location. It also provides occupational safety and health recommendations from OSHA and NIOSH.

 

The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool features:

  • A visual indicator of the current heat index and associated risk levels specific to your current geographical location
  • Precautionary recommendations specific to heat index-associated risk levels
  • An interactive, hourly forecast of heat index values, risk levels, and recommendations for planning outdoor work activities
  • Location, temperature, and humidity controls, which you can edit to calculate for different conditions
  • Signs and symptoms and first aid for heat-related illnesses

Additional Heat Stress Prevention Information

OSHA Heat Illness Prevention  Website 

CDC (NIOSH) Heat Stress Website

Stony Brook Weather Monitoring Stations:

Stony Brook University Weather Station at  Lot 40

Stony Brook Health Sciences Center Weather Station

 

 
Occupational Safety
Occupational Safety