Employer Checklist for Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Injury and Illness Prevention

• Site:

  Select
• Location:
  Address

• Conducted on:

  Date

• Prepared by:

• Review and answer the questions on the checklist to identify if your workplace has job-related risk factors for heat exposure.

Section 1: Are any of these job-related risk factors for heat exposure present in your workplace?

• Section 1 helps you identify job-related risk factors for heat exposure in your workplace:
  
  1. For each question, mark the answer (Yes, No, N/A) that is most applicable to your workplace.
  
  2. If you answer “Yes” to any of the questions, continue to section 2 of the checklist to assess your preparedness.

• Outdoor work in warm/hot weather or direct sun.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Indoor work in warm/hot environments with heat sources such as ovens, fires, hot tar, and/or other radiant heat sources.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Moderate to strenuous physical activity performed in warm/hot indoor or outdoor environments.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Heavy or non-breathable work clothes and/or personal protective equipment worn in warm/hot indoor or outdoor environments.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• High relative humidity combined with a warm/hot indoor or outdoor environment.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Other factors not listed above, such as lack of air movement or lack of air-conditioning, combined with a warm/hot indoor or outdoor environment.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Section 2: If you checked “Yes” for any of the above, use the following checklist to assess your preparedness:

• Section 2 helps you assess your preparedness to prevent heat-related injuries and illnesses in your workplace:
  
  3. For each question, mark the answer (Yes, No, N/A) that is most applicable to your workplace.
  
  4. If you answer “No,” to any of the questions, identify the specific actions you will take to show your commitment to reducing the risk of heat-related injuries and illnesses in your workplace.

• A written plan is in place to prevent heat-related injury and illness.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The plan contains procedures that should be used during heat events, such as when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or heat warning.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The plan requires the assessment of environmental heat at the worksite (e.g., continually monitoring temperature, heat index, or Wet Bulb Globe Temperature [WBGT]) and considers how physical activity and clothing/PPE affect heat stress of workers.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Procedures are in place to determine throughout the workday if heat is hazardous to workers.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• A designated, trained individual at the worksite is responsible for assessing and monitoring conditions (e.g., temperature and humidity) and workers for symptoms of heat-related injury and illness (see OSHA: Signs and Symptoms of Heat Illness), implementing the heat plan when necessary, and notifying workers when the heat plan is in effect.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• OSHA: Signs and Symptoms of Heat Illness:
  https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/illness-first-aid

• An acclimatization plan is in place to modify work duties for and to closely supervise (1) new workers, (2) temporary or contract workers, and (3) workers returning from extended leave to ensure they gradually build tolerance to heat. The plan should also require supervisors to monitor these workers for symptoms of heat-related injury and illness.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Engineering controls (e.g., shade structures with cool air temperatures, reflective barriers, ventilation) are used to reduce heat stress.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Fluids (e.g., cool, potable water, sports drinks) are readily available and are provided to workers, and supervisors ensure they are hydrating.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Rest breaks are provided and their length and frequency are adjusted, as needed. Supervisors ensure breaks are taken.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Shade or a cooled area for rest and hydration breaks is provided.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• A buddy system is in place so workers observe each other for signs of heat-related injury and illness.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Supervisors and workers have a way to contact emergency services. Instructions for what to do in case of a heat-related medical emergency are posted at the worksite.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Supervisors and workers are provided with proper training in a language they understand on the following topics:

• • Identifying and controlling heat hazards and understanding environmental risk factors.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• • Recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat-related injuries and illnesses.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• • Understanding that there are individual factors that may impact workers’ risk for developing heat illness.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• • Administering first aid and CPR for heat-related illness.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• • Activating emergency medical services quickly when needed.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Workers know how to and are expected to report to the employer any symptoms of heat-related injuries or illnesses that develop while working.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Signature:

  Sign