645 Heat Injury and Illness Prevention: Employee

Workers in outdoor or indoor environments without proper climate controls are at risk of hazardous heat exposure. Heat-generating processes, machinery, and equipment such as hot tar ovens and furnaces can also create dangerous heat conditions if adequate cooling measures are not implemented.

Heat is the leading cause of death among hazardous weather conditions in the United States. Excessive heat exposure at work can lead to serious health issues, including heat stroke and death, if not properly addressed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2011 to 2022, 479 workers died from exposure to environmental heat—an average of 40 fatalities per year. Additionally, from 2011 to 2020, there were an estimated 33,890 work-related heat injuries and illnesses resulting in days away from work—averaging 3,389 per year. However, these figures likely underestimate the true extent of occupational heat-related health impacts. This course contains general information about:

• Understanding Heat-Related Illnesses
• Preventive Measures
• Heat Stress Management Program (HSMP)
• Control Strategies and Protective Measures
• Emergency Response and Planning
• Training and Communication
• Employee Rights and Protections

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