Heat Stress

Man in an orange safety vest wiping sweat from his forehead while holding a yellow hard hat, illustrating heat stress awareness in construction settings.
Safety Is A Mindset – heat stress · illness prevention · hydration management

heat stress · illness prevention
hydration · work/rest · acclimatization

🆕 updated 2026 · OSHA/NIOSH heat emphasis

beyond water & shade: physiological monitoring & heat illness recognition

Developed by Brandon Beaver (safety professional) and Travis Beaver (Navy Corpsman), this program dives deep into thermoregulation, wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), and engineering controls. You’ll learn to identify early signs of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and how to implement a heat stress management plan.

⏱️ 3.5 contact hours📋 8 modules🧊 WBGT simulator

📊 heat stress by the numbers (expanded)

  • ▸ 50-70% increase in heat illness risk above 85°F (NIOSH)
  • ▸ 2,300+ heat‑related illnesses among US workers annually (OSHA)
  • ▸ 1 in 3 heat stroke cases fatal without rapid intervention
  • ▸ outdoor workers (construction, ag) have 10x higher risk
  • ▸ our course includes real case studies from TX, AZ, CA

🌡️ heat index & risk level (simplified WBGT)

enter temperature (°F) and humidity % → get risk category and recommended work/rest

🌤️ result: adjust values →
WBGT thermometerhydration timer📱 heat illness recognition video💧 urine color chart simulator

🧊 heat stress curriculum – extended content

🌞 environmental & metabolic heat

  • sources of heat: ambient, radiant, metabolic (work rate)
  • wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) vs heat index
  • clothing adjustment factors (PPE, encapsulated suits)
  • acclimatization schedules (NIOSH / ACGIH)

🫀 physiology & heat illness

  • thermoregulation: sweating, vasodilation, core temp
  • heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke (with symptom comparison)
  • emergency response: cold water immersion, active cooling
  • medications & predisposing factors (diuretics, antihistamines)

💧 hydration & work/rest cycles

  • thirst mechanism and pre‑hydration
  • electrolyte replacement (sodium, potassium)
  • work/rest regimens based on WBGT (ACGIH guidelines)
  • individual monitoring: heart rate, body weight, urine color

🛡️ heat stress control hierarchy

engineering AC, shaded areas, Misters, ventilation
admin work/rest, early shifts, training, buddy system
PPE cooling vests, wicking clothing, sun protection
monitoring WBGT, physiological status, heat alerts

❓ heat stress – professional FAQ

What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, cool skin. Heat stroke: core >104°F, confusion, hot/dry skin – medical emergency. Our course details both.

Does this meet OSHA’s heat emphasis program?

Yes, aligned with OSHA’s National Emphasis Program (NEP) for heat, including recordkeeping and triggers.

How do I calculate WBGT without a meter?

We teach estimation using heat index tables and provide smartphone tools, plus WBGT nomograms.

What work/rest ratio for heavy work in high humidity?

ACGIH recommends 25% work, 75% rest per hour when WBGT >86°F (for heavy work). We include charts.

Is there a specific module for indoor heat (kitchens, foundries)?

Yes – foundries, bakeries, laundries, and manufacturing with radiant heat sources.

What about cooling vests and PCM (phase change material)?

Full module on personal cooling options, advantages, and limitations for different industries.

Can I get a wallet card?

Certificate of completion (PDF/wallet card). 3‑year refresher recommended.

Languages? group training?

English, Spanish, and Portuguese (subtitles). Corporate dashboards and site‑specific plans.

Does it cover medication interactions?

Extensive section on beta‑blockers, diuretics, antihistamines, and illicit drugs (stimulants).

What’s the “buddy system” protocol?

We train workers to monitor each other for early signs, with checklists.

Is there a practical component?

Online + optional in‑person heat stress first aid drill. ask us

How often should I retake?

Annually recommended, especially for outdoor supervisors. Refresher course available.

Discount for agriculture crew?

Yes, group pricing for farm/ranch workers. contact us

📍 heat stress training locations (on‑site / online)

specialized for construction, oil & gas, agriculture.

📞 (870) 532-8278 · HSI authorized training center · updated feb 2026 · direct link · no header/banner/footer

Format: Online Interactive

Tier: 2

Course ID: 210

Languages: English, Spanish, French Canadian, Korean, Russian, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese (Simplified), German, Hindi, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese

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