Heat stress is a common risk in the workplace during the warmer summer months and if not recognized and treated immediately, can lead to serious illness. By assessing work activities and implementing controls, employers can protect their workers.

Heat-related illnesses happen when a person heats up faster than they can cool down. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can quickly escalate into a medical emergency if untreated—but you can prevent heat-related illness in most cases.

Early signs include nausea, light-headedness, fatigue, muscle cramping, and dizziness. Heat-related illness can affect everyone – even those accustomed to working in the heat. If heat exhaustion progresses to heat stroke, it is a medical emergency that, untreated, can lead to death.

Prepare to prevent heat-related illness at work with these resources.