About Heat Illness Prevention
As temperatures begin to rise, so does the risk of heat illness. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet many people succumb to the effects. In the United States, it is estimated that at least 240 people die from the effects of heat each year, and the mortality rate is believed to be highly under-reported. Heat-related illness is also an underlying cause of a high percentage of non-fatal incidents.
People suffer from heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. The body normally cools itself by sweating. Under certain conditions, sweating will fail to cool the body and the storage of heat over time will lead to the signs and symptoms of heat illness. As the body temperature rises, various effects take place, including damage to the brain and other vital organs.
Many factors contribute to a person being affected by heat illness, including environmental conditions, health, diet, age, degree of acclimatization, fluid intake, and other predisposing factors. Your best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes in fluid intake, activities and clothing during hot weather can help you to remain safe and healthy.
This course has been revised to include the Cal OSHA Indoor Heat Illness Standard
January 29, 2025