Summer Heat Series

Tips to Stay Safe in the Heat:

The initial days of working in hot or warm environments pose the highest risk of fatalities due to the body's need to gradually adapt to the heat, a process known as heat acclimatization. This risk applies to both indoor and outdoor workers who lack acclimatization.

Workers who are new to hot environments require time to acclimatize, unless they have prior experience. To prevent heat-related illnesses, it is advisable for such workers to work shorter shifts during their first one to two weeks.

OSHA and NIOSH recommend the "Rule of 20 Percent" for building heat tolerance, which entails working only 20% of the normal duration on the first day and increasing work duration by 20% on subsequent days until the worker is performing a regular schedule.

For more information on heat acclimatization, provided by: Occupational Safety and Health Administration