Campaign to prevent heat-related illnesses launched

Words: Jeanne AcquadroThe U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced the launch of its annual Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers. For the fourth consecutive year, OSHA’s campaign aims to raise awareness and educate workers and employers about the dangers of working in hot weather and provide resources and guidance to address these hazards. Workers at particular risk are those in outdoor industries, such as agriculture, construction, landscaping and transportation.

“Heat-related illnesses can be fatal, and employers are responsible for keeping workers safe,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. “Employers can take a few easy steps to save lives, including scheduling frequent water breaks, providing shade and allowing ample time to rest.”

Thousands of employees become sick each year and many die from working in the heat. In 2012, there were 31 heat-related worker deaths and 4,120 heat-related worker illnesses. Labor-intensive activities in hot weather can raise body temperatures beyond the level that normally can be cooled by sweating. Heat illness initially may manifest as heat rash or heat cramps, but can quickly escalate to heat exhaustion and then heat stroke if simple preventative measures are not followed. Heat illness disproportionately affects those who have not built up a tolerance to heat (acclimatization), and it is especially dangerous for new and temporary workers.

“Acclimatization is a physical change that the body undergoes to build tolerance to heat, and it is a critical part of preventing heat illnesses and fatalities,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. “Over the past three years, lack of acclimatization was the cause in 74 percent of heat-related citations issued. Employers have a responsibility to provide workplaces that are safe from recognized hazards, including outdoor heat.”

Last year, OSHA issued 11 heat-related citations. In some of these cases, the employer and staffing agency were cited because they involved temporary workers.
About: Safety Featured
 0
The Evolution and Innovation of Concrete Unit Pavers
May 2025

When concrete unit pavers were first produced in Europe after the second World War, they were used as a replacement for clay brick pavers due to a lack of raw materials needed to produce that product. The primary emphasis was function with little to no co

Brandi Sauers
Featured MAP Partner
Read More
Masonry Mortar: The Right Type for the Job
May 2025

When it comes to masonry construction, mortar is much more than “glue” that holds everything together — it’s a critical component of wall performance, longevity, and aesthetics. It can “make it or break it”. Whether you’re laying a foundation CMU wall or

Garen Graves
Featured MAP Partner
Mortar
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 20 Recap: Mark Kemp, Superior Masonry
May 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Mark Kemp joins the set to talk about his esteemed career in masonry, how his passion stayed strong throughout the years, and how retirement has been treating him.

Justin Stengel
Read More
How It’s Made: Clay Thin Brick
May 2025

Clay thin brick is a versatile alternative to traditional full brick. It comes in numerous colors and styles and offers something for every design preference. Thanks to the lighter weight, it is designed to reach spaces full brick cannot. From floors to c

Allison Goley
Featured MAP Partner
Read More