Protecting workers

→Train workers to recognize and treat the signs of heat-relate d stress.

→Accllmate each worker into the heat for five to seven days; m onitor the temperatures, humidity and workers' responses to heat throughout the day.

→Encourage workers to wear light-colored clothing to reflect heat and keep cool.

→Help workers adjust by assigning light workloads during high heat, take longer breaks in cool areas, plan strenuous work for cooler parts of the day.

→Consider each worker's physical condition when determining heat-related work task assignments. Monitor prescription and over-the-counter drug use by employees.

Encourage workers to drink plenty of water, even if they are not thirsty. Allow for frequent water breaks.

→Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks that dehydrate the body.

→Use general ventilation and spot cooling whenever possible.

→Encourage workers to report their own heat stress or co-workers' heat stress symptoms to their supervisor immediately.

→Re-acclimate employees after an absence from the hot environment, such as after they take a vacation or have been on a leave of absence.