Updated May 30, 2024
As summer approaches and temperatures begin to rise, it's important to take measures to keep outdoor workers healthy and prevent heat-related illness.
University units with personnel who work outdoors are required to implement safety measures to help prevent heat-related illness, including providing initial and annual training, and implementing a written Outdoor Heat Safety Plan.
The Washington state heat rules require University units to provide the following actions when the temperature is at or above 80 degrees:
- Encourage and allow workers to take paid preventive cool-down rest periods as needed;
- Provide enough shade or other way of cooling down—like an air-conditioned building or running vehicle—for all workers on a meal or rest break to use;
- Provide enough cool drinking water for each worker to drink a quart per hour; and
- Closely observe new personnel, personnel returning from absences, and all personnel during heat waves.
Additional protections for outdoor workers are in effect when the temperature reaches 90 degrees.
Heat-related illness can be serious, but is preventable. Visit the Outdoor Heat Exposure webpage for more information.