Heat Stress
New! Federal OSHA published a proposed rule on Heat Injury and Illness Prevention for outdoor and indoor work settings in the Federal Register on August 30, 2024. The standard would require employers to create a plan to evaluate and control heat hazards in their workplace. It would clarify employer obligations and the steps necessary to effectively protect employees from hazardous heat. An informal public hearing on OSHA's Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings proposed rule is scheduled to be held virtually and begin on June 16, 2025.
Heat stress is the inability of the body to rid itself of excess heat as the result of working in a hot environment, especially when humidity levels are high.
Heat Stress
What are the hazards associated with heat stress?
Excessive exposure to heat can cause a range of heat-related illnesses, from heat rash and heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke can result in death and requires immediate medical attention.
What can I do to protect myself?
Avoid heavy exertion, extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity when possible. When these cannot be avoided, some of the preventative steps that can be taken include:
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.
- Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day.
- Take more breaks when doing heavier work, and in high heat and humidity; take breaks in the shade or a cool area.
- Drink water frequently.
- Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
What resources are available to assist employers?
Training and Outreach Services
A heat stress presentation is available to assist employers in training their staff. The presentation should be modified to address site-specific conditions and hazards. Other example presentations are available along with pre-recorded webinars which can be accessed at any time. Further, a heat stress podcast provided by the NC Department of Labor provides more useful information.
In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request.
The NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including streaming video services) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).
Safety and Health Programs
In addition, the example agricultural heat stress prevention program (Spanish) can assist employers in the agriculture industry with their heat stress program. This heat illness prevention program can be used by employers in general industry or construction for indoor or outdoor hazardous heat conditions. Other example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions.
Consultation Services
The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.
Which standards apply?
There are no OSHA or N.C. occupational safety and health standards for heat. This is not all inclusive.
Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic.
Recordkeeping
- Refer to Recording and Reporting
General Duty Clause
In certain circumstances, heat-related hazards may be cited using N.C. General Statute 95-129(1), commonly referred to as the “General Duty Clause.”
Other Applicable Standards
The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to your worksite
Where can I learn more?
Hazard Alerts
- Additional information on heat stress can be found in the heat stress hazard alert.
- NCDOL Investigates: Heat Stress Event discusses what triggers a heat stress investigation and how the investigation is conducted.
Compliance Documents
- Operational Procedure Notice: OPN 141 - Inspection Guidance for Conducting Heat-Related Illness Inspections and Issuing Citations establishes enforcement policy and provides an explanation of the application of the General Duty Clause to ensure uniform enforcement.
- OSHA Technical Manual (TED 01-00-015) provides technical information about workplace hazards and controls to OSHA’s Compliance Safety and Health Officers.
Industry Guides
- Industry Guide 48 - OSHA Construction Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, highlights the requirements of standards related to construction.
- Industry Guide 49 - OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, provides requirements for standards related to general industry.
- Industry Guide 50 - OSHA Agriculture Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, highlights the requirements of standards related to agriculture.
- Industry Guide 53 - OSHA Shipyard Employment Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, highlights the requirements of standards related to shipyard employment.
- Industry Guide 54 - OSHA Marine Terminal Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, highlights the requirements of standards related to marine terminals.
Technical Assistance
- Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH online or by phone at 919-707-7876.