Heat Stress

Hazard Overview

What is heat stress?

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.

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.

Solutions

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?

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. The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to your worksite.

In addition, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC). 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. Lastly, the consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.

Regulations

Which standards apply?

There are no OSHA or N.C. occupational safety and health standards for heat. In certain circumanstances, heat-related hazards may be cited using N.C. General Statute 95-129(1), commonly referred to as the “General Duty Clause.”

Learn More

Where can I learn more?

Additional information on heat stress can be found in the heat stress hazard alert.
State-specific 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.
NCDOL Investigates: Heat Stress Event discusses what triggers a heat stress investigation and how the investigation is conducted.
Industry Guide 048, OSHA Construction Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training highlights the requirements of standards related to construction.
Industry Guide 049, OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to general industry.
Industry Guide 050, OSHA Agriculture Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training highlights the requirements of standards related to agriculture.
Industry Guide 053, OSHA Shipyard Employment Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training highlights the requirements of standards related to shipyard employment.
Industry Guide 054, OSHA Marine Terminal Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training highlights the requirements of standards related to marine terminals.

If you would like to receive interpretive guidance on this or any other OSH standard or topic, you can submit your questions using the Ask OSH web form, by e-mail to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov or by calling 919-707-7876.