Heat-related illnesses in the workplace—such as heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke—are serious concerns that can jeopardize worker safety and productivity. OSHA classifies these conditions as Heat-Related Illnesses, and the statistics are alarming. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), from 2011 to 2020, there were 33,890 work-related heat injuries and illnesses resulting in days away from work, averaging 3,389 cases annually. Furthermore, the BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries reports that from 1992 to 2021, 999 U.S. workers lost their lives due to environmental heat exposure, equating to an average of 33 fatalities each year. Importantly, these conditions are entirely preventable.
Few work-related injuries and illnesses offer the opportunity for complete prevention. However, by implementing effective safety processes, providing thorough employee and management training, and actively managing environmental risks, businesses can eliminate the threat of heat stress illnesses in their workforce.
