Introduction
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
Course Objectives
| ID | Objective |
|---|---|
| TO 1.0 | Achieve a minimum score of 70% on the final course assessment. |
| LO 1.1.1 | Explain why following ANSI A10.50-2024 can help keep workers safe from heat-related illnesses. |
| LO 1.2.1 | Describe the types of heat-related illnesses, their symptoms, and the risk factors that increase the chances of heat stress, including environmental, workplace, and personal factors. |
| LO 1.3.1 | Explain the importance of rest breaks, hydration, and removing PPE to prevent heat-related illnesses in the workplace. |
| LO 1.4.1 | Summarize the requirements of a Heat Stress Management Program (HSMP) and explain the importance of site-specific procedures. |
| LO 1.5.1 | Describe control strategies and protective measures, such as ventilation, cooling PPE, and heat shielding, to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. |
| LO 1.6.1 | Summarize the emergency procedures for responding to heat-related illnesses, including steps to safely reduce body temperature. |
| LO 1.7.1 | Explain the importance of initial and refresher training on heat safety, and describe effective communication practices for maintaining heat safety in the workplace. |
| LO 1.8.1 | Identify employee rights to protection from heat stress and the protections against retaliation for reporting heat-related safety concerns. |
Key: Terminal Objective (TO), Learning Objective (LO)