Preventing Heat Illness

Heat illness is a serious medical condition resulting from the body’s inability to cope with a particular heat load and can progress quickly from mild symptoms to a serious and life-threatening illness. A heat-induced illness can occur when the body undergoes stress from overheating. Heat-related illnesses include heat rash, heat cramps, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. Symptoms can range from profuse sweating to dizziness, cessation of sweating, and collapse.

The temporary Oregon OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Standard (OAR 437-002-0155) requires employers to implement measures to prevent heat-related illnesses when the heat index equals or exceeds 80°F in all places of employment. Oregon OSHA has determined that a workplace hazard exists whenever the heat index reaches 80°F (the “caution” level based on NOAA/NWS) and that a more serious hazard exists whenever the heat index exceeds 90°F (the “extreme caution” level based on NOAA/NWS).

Please also note that the heat index is a measure of heat with both relative humidity and actual air temperature taken into account, and as such may be different than the temperature indicated on a thermometer or through a general weather app. For this reason, we encourage everyone to utilize the OSHA-NIOSH heat index tracking tool when measuring the heat. The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App is especially helpful for supervisors who may have employees working in environments outdoors. 

The Business Continuity and Emergency Management office monitors weather conditions, including heat index. An Inclement Weather Team and Plan is in place to guide response actions to excessive heat events. Should any changes in normal operations occur faculty, staff and students will receive appropriate communications via email and Boxer Alerts.
 
Additional resources:

National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast
NWS Heat Index Map
Oregon OSHA Rules Letter
Oregon OSHA News Release
Oregon OSHA Educational Resources