Heat stress poses health risks that should not be underestimated. Work in hot environments and/or while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) that interferes with the body’s temperature-regulating system.
Office of Environment, Health, Safety & Security
December 17, 2020
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Heat stress poses health risks that should not be underestimated. Work in hot environments and/or while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) that interferes with the body’s temperature-regulating system can put workers at risk of experiencing a heat illness. Heat illnesses generally occur when high ambient temperatures, either indoor or outdoor, overcome the body’s natural ability to dissipate heat. While some heat illnesses are mild—such as heat rashes or muscle cramps—many heat illnesses are serious and even life threatening, including heat exhaustion (possibly with fainting) and heat stroke.