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Heat Awareness Our first heat wave of the summer is here, and with that comes reminders regarding heat safety for outdoor workers. Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in extreme heat or humid conditions. Did you know that more than 40 percent of heat-related worker deaths occur in the construction industry? There are a range of heat illnesses and they can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition. Let's take action now to keep our workers safe in the heat! OSHA has a number of resources available on its website www.osha.gov and also has a Heat Safety App that can be downloaded from Google Play (Android) or iTunes (iPhone). Reminder: Employers must protect workers from excessive heat. • Provide workers with water, rest and shade • Allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimatize, or build a tolerance for working in the heat. • Plan for emergencies and train workers on prevention. • Monitor workers for signs of illness. To prevent heat related illness and fatalities: • Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty. • Rest in the shade to cool down. • Wear a hat and light-colored clothing. • Learn the signs of heat illness and what to do in an emergency. • Keep an eye on fellow workers. • "Easy does it" on your first days of work in the heat. You need to get used to it.