As temperatures rise this – and every – summer, the risk of heat illness in Oregon workplaces increases.
Two common types of heat illness are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headache, rapid pulse, nausea, and vomiting. The symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, confusion, and convulsions.
Heat stroke can be fatal.
There are steps employers must take to address the dangers of high heat in the workplace. And Oregon OSHA offers non-enforcement resources to help employers comply with the requirements.
Under Oregon OSHA’s heat illness prevention rule, employers must implement protective measures, including adequate water, rest, shade, acclimatization (gradual adaptation to working in the heat), communication and training, and emergency plans. The rule applies to workplaces whenever an employee is working and the heat index (apparent temperature) equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. More provisions apply when the heat index exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The requirements apply across industries, including where employers provide housing as a condition of employment. Oregon OSHA urges employers to consult free resources encompassing the key requirements:
All heat illness prevention resources are available on Oregon OSHA's
A-to-Z topic index page. They include a video training in
English and
Spanish that satisfies certain training elements of the heat rule.
Oregon OSHA also provides free and confidential
consultations to employers to help them improve their programs and prevention efforts. The division’s
technical specialists help guide employers on how to apply rules to their workplaces.