HEAT SAFETY QUICK GUIDE

1900 WEST LOOP SOUTH • SUITE 500 • HOUSTON, TX 77027 • PHONE: 713.782.7600

www.odonnellsnider.com
2

Protecting workers from heat-related accidents is a 

crucial aspect of ensuring their safety and well-being 

in the workplace. To achieve this, open communication, 

education, and proactive measures are essential. In this 

Heat Safety Quick Guide, we will provide valuable tips 

and measures that can be implemented to prevent heatrelated accidents and safeguard workers. 

It is important to note that these tips serve as a 

foundation, and it is necessary to customize heat safety 

measures according to the unique needs and conditions 

of your workplace. Regular assessments, based on 

ongoing risk evaluations and feedback from workers, 

should be conducted to update protocols and ensure 

continuous improvement in protecting workers from 

heat-related accidents. By prioritizing these efforts, 

we can create a safer work environment and protect the 

well-being of our valuable workforce.

INTRODUCTION

Introduction
3

Heat Safety Plan | 4

Procedures for Monitoring Heat Exposure | 6

Preventive Measures | 8

Emergency Response Protocols | 10

Visit OSHA’s Website on Heat Exposure for more Information: https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure

Contents

TABLE OF 

Table of Contents
4 Heat Safety Plan

Developing a Heat Safety Plan is essential for ensuring the well-being of workers in hot environments and preventing heatrelated accidents. The plan should address key aspects such as on-site heat monitoring, acclimation procedures for new/

temporary employees, availability of first aid and emergency protocols, comprehensive training for supervisors and employees, 

measurement of heat stress and hazards, assessment of heat advisories for necessary changes, and implementation of 

preventive measures. By incorporating these elements into the plan, employers can effectively protect workers and maintain a 

safe working environment.

SAFETY

HEAT

PLAN

Preventive measures in a Heat 

Safety Plan include promoting 

adequate hydration, implementing 

acclimation programs and rest 

breaks, and using appropriate 

personal protective equipment 

(PPE). These measures aim to 

minimize heat-related risks and 

ensure worker well-being in hot 

environments.

Procedures for monitoring 

heat exposure are crucial in a 

Heat Safety Plan. This involves 

assigning an on-site individual 

to regularly assess temperature, 

humidity levels, and other factors 

contributing to heat stress. 

By monitoring heat exposure, 

employers can identify high-risk 

conditions and take proactive 

measures to protect workers from 

heat-related illnesses.

Emergency response protocols 

are vital in a Heat Safety Plan. 

They provide guidelines for 

swiftly moving affected workers 

to a cooler area, cooling them 

down, and seeking medical 

assistance when necessary. 

These protocols ensure a prompt 

and effective response to protect 

the well-being of workers in 

emergency situations.

Preventative 

Measures

Monitoring Heat 

Exposure

Emergency Response

Protocols

CALL

9-1-1
5

SAMPLE HEAT SAFETY PLAN WORKSHEET/AGENDA

Heat Safety Plan

Heat Safety Plan

1900 WEST LOOP SOUTH • SUITE 500 • HOUSTON, TX 77027 • PHONE: 713.782.7600

SAFETY MEASURES PLAN/ACTIONS

Who is the person(s) monitoring 

the heat throughout the day?

(must be on-site at all times)

Acclimation Procedures for New 

and Returning Employees.

Procedures to ensure first aid is 

readily available

Emergency Response Protocols.

Procedures on training for 

supervisors and employees on 

Heat Safety Plan and Awareness 

Symptoms.

How will heat stress be 

measured?

How will heat hazards be determined.

How will a heat advisory be 

assessed, along with any changes 

to work environment/procedures 

based on this assessment.

What preventative measures be 

followed?
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Designating a responsible person to monitor heat on a daily basis throughout the workday is a crucial aspect of a Heat Safety 

Plan. Employers should also stay informed about heat advisories from the National Weather Service to better understand 

the potential risks. Two primary heat sources contribute to the risk of heat-related illness: environmental heat and metabolic 

heat. Estimating workload and providing appropriate protections, such as rest breaks and scheduling work during cooler 

times, is vital. Employers must assess both heat sources to determine workers’ total heat stress. By addressing these factors, 

employers can effectively mitigate the risk of heat-related illnesses in the workplace.

HEAT

MONITORING

EXPOSURE

CONTRIBUTORS TO EACH HEAT SOURCE

WET BULB GLOBE TEMPERATURE (WBGT)

ENVIRONMENTAL HEAT

AIR TEMPERATURE

HUMIDITY

RADIANT HEAT

AIR SPEED

METABOLIC HEAT

BODY HEAT PRODUCTION

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL

PERSON’S WEIGHT

CLOTHING

The use of a wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) monitor is recommended to measure 

environmental heat because it accounts for all four major environmental heat factors.

The three different themometers on the WBGT are:

Dry Bulb Thermometer - Measures ambient air temperature

Natural Wet Bulb Thermometer - Measures the potential for evaporative cooling

Black Globe Thermometer - Measures Radiant heat

Ensure placement of the monitor is close to the active work location and has 

the same level of heat exposure. For further details on using the monitor’s 

data to calculate measurement visit the OSHA website through the QR Code 

on the right. 

Monitoring Heat Exposure
7

FACTORS USED TO MONITOR HEAT EXPOSURE

WORKER ACTIVITY LEVEL AWARENESS WITH METABLIC RATE (WATTS)

CLOTHING ADJUSTMENT FACTOR (CAF) - ADD THIS FACTOR TO THE WBGT MEASUREMENT

DETERMINING HEAT EXPOSURE RISK

LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ACTIVITY SAMPLES WATTS

REST Sitting 115

LIGHT Standing Watch, Slow Walking, Driving A Car, Kneeling 180

MODERATE Pushing/Pulling Light Carts, Painting, Tapping And Drilling 

Using Hand Tools, General Carpentry, Hammering Nails 300

HEAVY

Intense Arm And Trunk Work, Mixing Cement, Shoveling 

Pushing/Pulling Heavy Carts Or Wheelbarrows, 

Drilling Rock Or Concrete, Manual Raising/Lowering Loads

415

VERY HEAVY

Climbing Stairs, Ladders, Or Ramps, Sledgehammer Use, 

Any Activity Done At Near Maximum Pace, 

Intense Shoveling Or Digging, Brick Or Stone Masonry

520

CLOTHING TYPE CLOTHING ADJUSTMENT FACTOR

NORMAL WORK CLOTHES 0

CLOTH (WOVEN) COVERALLS* 0

SMS POLYPROPYLENE COVERALLS * 0.9°F (0.5°C)

POLYOLEFIN COVERALLS* 1.8°F (1°C)

DOUBLE LAYER OF CLOTHING 5.4°F (3°C) *

LIMITED-USE VAPOR-BARRIER COVERALL* 19.8°F (11°C) u

u

Coveralls: Assume only 

ndergarments are worn 

nderneath.

Factor in the following:

• Level of physical activity/workload

• Environmental heat measurement through a WBGT or other method.

• Protective clothing that might impair heat dissipation

• If the worker is acclimated to the heat or not - assume workers on the job less than 1-2 weeks are not acclimated

*Effective WBGT is the WBGT measurement along with added clothing adjustment factor.

EFFECTIVE WBGT* UNACCLIMATED WORKER ACCLIMATED WORKER

Below 70°F (21°C) Low risk of heat-related illness Low risk of heat-related illness

70 to 77°F (21 to 25°C) Strenuous work possibly unsafe Low risk of heat-related illness

Above 77°F (25°C) High risk of heat-related illness with strenuous work Strenuous work possibly unsafe

Monitoring Heat Exposure
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Preventive measures play a crucial role in safeguarding workers from heat-related illnesses and ensuring their well-being in 

hot environments. Encouraging regular hydration, implementing acclimation programs, scheduling adequate rest breaks, and 

providing suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). By prioritizing these preventive measures, employers demonstrate 

their commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment, mitigating the risks associated with heat exposure, and 

promoting the overall welfare of their workers.

PREVENTIVE

MEASURES

ARE YOU DRINKING ENOUGH WATER?

1 to 3 | Hydrated

Keep drinking water as usual

4 to 6 | Mildly Dehydrated

Go drink a glass of water

7 to 8 | Dehydrated

Big Trouble! Go drink water now!

*Note: Certain foods, medications and vitamin supplements may change your urine color even if you are hydrated

*This chart should only be used as a guide and should not replace the advise of a health professional

Urine Color Chart to Assess Your Hydration

HYDRATION

Provide Adequate Hydration: Encourage workers to drink plenty of fluids, particularly 

water, throughout the workday. 

• Workers should be encouraged to drink at least one cup (8 ounces) of water every 20 

minutes while working in the heat not just if they are thirsty.

• Make sure that cool, potable water is readily available at convenient locations on 

the worksite. 

• For more prolonged exposure to heat, also provide electrolytes.

• Workers should be aware that use of certain personal protective equipment (e.g., 

certain types of respirators and impermeable clothing) can increase the risk of heatrelated illness.

• Encourage regular hydration breaks and educate workers about the importance of 

staying hydrated. 

20 Minutes

20 Minutes

20 Minutes

20 Minutes

Repeat

8oz.

16oz.

24oz.

Refill

Preventive Measures
9

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

Acclimation and Proper Rest Breaks: Implement an acclimation program for new workers and those returning from 

prolonged absences.

• Gradually expose them to increased levels of heat and workload over a period to help their bodies adjust and adapt to the 

environmental conditions.

• Schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to allow workers to cool down and recover from 

heat exposure. 

• Avoid scheduling demanding tasks during the hottest parts of the day and consider adjusting work schedules to minimize 

heat exposure. 

ACCLIMATION

X

 7 am 8 am 9 am 10 am 11 am 12 pm 1 pm 2 pm 3 pm - 4:30 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 9 pm 10 pm

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

In most cases, heat stress should be reduced by 

engineering controls or work practice modifications. 

However, in some limited situations, special cooling 

devices can protect workers in hot environments:

• Insulated suits

• Reflective clothing

• Infrared reflecting face shields

• Cooling neck wraps

Use Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide workers with suitable PPE designed to minimize heat stress. 

This may include lightweight, breathable clothing, wide-brimmed hats or caps, and cooling vests. Encourage the use of PPE 

and ensure that it is worn correctly.

Hard or wide-brimmed Hat

Cooling Neck Wrap

Safety Glasses or Infrared 

Reflecting Face Shields

Class II Safety Vest

Lightweight Long-Sleeve 

Breathable shirts (preferably 

reflective)

Gloves

Long Pants (preferably reflective)

Sturdy Work Boots

*On average the hottest part of the day is 3 pm to 4:30 pm

In extremely hot conditions, the following thermally 

conditioned clothing might be used:

• Vest that receives cooled air from a vortex tube 

connected to an external compressed air source.

• Jackets or vests with reusable ice packs or phase 

change cooling packs in the pockets.

Preventive Measures
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First aid for heat-related illnesses involves essential principles aimed at providing immediate relief and support to affected 

workers. These include promptly moving the worker to a cooler area, actively cooling them by methods such as cold water 

immersion or ice baths, removing outer layers of clothing, applying ice or cold wet towels to specific areas, ensuring air 

circulation with fans, and never leaving the worker unattended. Offering comprehensive training on heat-related illnesses is 

crucial for proper response and management. In case of uncertainty or severe symptoms, it is vital to call for professional 

medical assistance, such as dialing 911, to ensure prompt and appropriate care.

RESPONSE

EMERGENCY

PROTOCOLS

MOVE TO SHADE USE FANS

REMOVE OUTER 

LAYERS

PLACE ICE OR WET 

TOWELS ON PERSON

NEVER LEAVE ALONE

IMMERSE IN COLD 

WATER

CALL 

EMERGENCY 

SERVICES 

IMMEDIATELY

Recognizing the symptoms of heat illnesses is essential for everyone. If any of these symptoms are observed in an individual, 

it is crucial to provide immediate medical attention without attempting to diagnose the specific illness. The complexity and 

overlapping nature of symptoms make timely action vital. Heat-related symptoms can rapidly worsen and potentially lead to 

fatal consequences. Therefore, swift response and prioritizing medical attention are of utmost importance in ensuring the wellbeing and safety of individuals experiencing heat-related symptoms.

Emergency Response Protocols
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EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROTOCOLS

HEAT STROKE SYMPTOMS HEAT EXHAUSTION SYMPTOMS

Confusion Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Unconsciousness or Seizures Irritability or Fatigue

Slurred Speech Thirst

Rapid Heart Rate Fast Heart Rate

Nausea or Vomiting

Very High Body Temperature Higher Body Temperature

Extreme Sweating or Hot, Dry Skin

Heat Stroke is the result of the body no 

longer being able to control its temperature. 

The body’s temperature elevates, the 

sweating body system fails, and the body is 

not able to cool down.

Heat Stroke can be fatal if emergency 

treatment is not received.

Heat Exhaustion is the body’s response to 

excessive loss of water and salt.

It is most likely to affect people with high 

blood pressure and those working in a hot 

environment.

Heavy Sweating

Training your employees to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses is vital for quick action to be taken.

OTHER HEAT ILLNESSES SYMPTOMS

HEAT CRAMPS Muscle Spasms or Pain - Usually in legs, arms, or trunk

HEAT SYNCOPE Fainting, Dizziness

HEAT RASH

RHABDOMYOLYSIS (Muscle Breakdown)

Clusters of Red Bumps on Skin - Often on Neck, Upper Chest, and Skin Folds

Muscle Pain, Dark Urine or Reduced Urine Output, Weakness

Emergency Response Protocols
It is crucial to keep in mind that the tips provided are a foundation, and customizing heat safety measures to suit 

the unique requirements and conditions of your workplace is imperative. Regular assessment and updating of 

protocols should be conducted, taking into account ongoing risk assessments and feedback from workers. This 

ensures a continuous improvement process in protecting workers from heat-related accidents and maintaining a 

safe working environment. By staying proactive and adaptable, you can enhance the effectiveness of your heat 

safety measures and prioritize the well-being of your workforce.

 

 Visit OSHA’s Website on Heat Exposure for more Information: https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure

www.odonnellsnider.com

HEAT SAFETY QUICK GUIDE