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646 Heat Injury and Illness Prevention: Supervisor Skip to main content

Administrative Controls

Scheduling Work to Avoid Peak Heat Times

One effective administrative control is scheduling work to avoid peak heat times, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when temperatures are highest. By planning the most physically demanding tasks for cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or late afternoons, employers can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Additionally, flexible scheduling can allow for more frequent breaks during the hottest periods, further mitigating the risks associated with high temperatures.

Plan the most physically demanding task for cooler parts of the day.

Providing Shaded or Air-Conditioned Rest Areas

Another important administrative control is providing shaded or air-conditioned rest areas. These rest areas should be conveniently located near work sites to ensure employees can take breaks promptly when needed. Outdoor rest areas should offer adequate shade, such as tents, canopies, or natural shade from trees, to protect workers from direct sunlight. Indoor rest areas should be air-conditioned or equipped with fans to maintain a cool environment.

Outdoor rest areas should offer adequate shade to protect workers from direct sunlight.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

5-5. What feature is important for outdoor rest areas to protect workers from heat?