With temperatures soaring across the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reminds companies to protect workers during heat exposure, both indoors and out. In the door and window industry, dealers are busy doing installations, and in window plants they often deal with hot and muggy conditions as well.

Millions of U.S. workers are exposed to heat in their workplaces, says OSHA. Although illness from exposure to heat is preventable, every year, thousands become sick from occupational heat exposure, and some cases are fatal. 

Occupational risk factors for heat illness include heavy physical activity, warm or hot environmental conditions, lack of acclimatization, and wearing clothing that holds in body heat, according to OSHA.

Hazardous heat exposure can occur indoors or outdoors, and can occur during any season if the conditions are right, not only during heat waves, OSHA warns. Following are some tips on protecting against the heat.

• Consume adequate fluids (water and sport drinks);
• Work shorter shifts if possible;
• Take frequent breaks; and
• Identify any heat illness symptoms quickly.

For additional guidance on how to protect you and your employees from heat stress, click HERE.