Heat Stress Prevention Checklist (for outdoor/hot indoor work):

Heat Stress Prevention Checklist: Managing Heat in Your Workplace

Purpose: This checklist is designed to help you proactively manage the risks of heat stress in environments where workers are exposed to high temperatures, either outdoors or indoors. Regularly reviewing these points helps ensure worker safety, productivity, and compliance with best practices.

General Information (Optional - can be filled out during inspection):

  • Date of Check: ___________________

  • Performed By: ____________________

  • Work Area/Location: ____________________

  • Current Temperature/Heat Index: ___________

Checklist Items:

1. Hydration Management: * [ ] Water Availability: Are cool, potable drinking water sources readily available and easily accessible to all workers? * [ ] Electrolyte Replenishment: Are electrolyte-rich drinks (e.g., sports drinks) available for workers engaged in prolonged strenuous activity or heavy sweating? * [ ] Hydration Encouragement: Are workers reminded and encouraged to drink water frequently (e.g., every 15-20 minutes), even if they don't feel thirsty?

2. Rest and Recovery: * [ ] Shaded/Cool Areas: Are shaded or air-conditioned rest areas available and easily accessible? * [ ] Scheduled Breaks: Are regular, mandatory breaks scheduled during hot periods, allowing workers to cool down and rehydrate? * [ ] Break Frequency/Duration: Are breaks frequent and long enough to allow core body temperature to decrease?

3. Acclimatization: * [ ] New/Returning Workers: Are new workers or those returning from extended absences gradually introduced to hot work environments over several days (e.g., starting with 20% exposure, increasing daily)? * [ ] Acclimatization Policy: Is there a formal acclimatization program in place and communicated?

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Clothing: * [ ] Breathable Clothing: Are workers wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing? * [ ] Appropriate PPE: Is PPE selected to minimize heat burden while still providing necessary protection (e.g., considering cooling vests, evaporative cooling products)? * [ ] Cooling Aids: Are cooling vests, cooling towels, or other personal cooling devices provided or encouraged where appropriate? * Applicable Products: Cooling Vests, Cooling Towels, Hydration Packs

5. Worker Monitoring & Training: * [ ] Symptoms Training: Have all workers and supervisors been trained to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses (heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke)? * [ ] Peer Monitoring: Are workers encouraged to monitor themselves and their co-workers for signs of heat stress? * [ ] Emergency Response: Is there a clear emergency response plan in place for heat-related illnesses, and are personnel trained to administer first aid?

6. Work Schedule & Task Adjustment: * [ ] Schedule Adjustment: Are work schedules adjusted to avoid the hottest parts of the day (e.g., early starts, evening work)? * [ ] Task Rotation: Are strenuous tasks rotated among workers to minimize individual exposure time? * [ ] Heavy Work Timing: Are the heaviest physical tasks performed during cooler times of the day or shifted to cooler days?

7. Environmental Controls (for hot indoor work): * [ ] Ventilation/Airflow: Is there adequate air movement provided by fans, blowers, or ventilation systems? * [ ] Air Conditioning/Cooling Systems: Are cooling systems (AC, evaporative coolers) functioning properly and providing effective cooling? * [ ] Shielding: Are radiant heat sources (e.g., furnaces, hot machinery) shielded to protect workers?

Action Required (if any item needs attention):

  • List issues found:

  • Actions taken/planned:

[ ] Confirmed Heat Stress Prevention Measures in Place: (Sign and Date) _________________________________________

Important Notes:

  • Always refer to OSHA's guidelines on preventing heat illness in outdoor and indoor workers, and local regulations.

  • The severity of heat stress risk increases with higher temperatures, humidity, strenuous activity, and lack of acclimatization.

  • Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if a worker shows signs of heat stroke (confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, hot dry skin, seizures).