It’s Heat Awareness Week
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes the third week of May as “Heat Awareness Week.” Extreme heat is defined as outdoor temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average. Heat-related issues are preventable – NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) would like to share the following safety tips for beating the heat and staying safe while working:
Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay informed
- Drink water every 15 minutes – even if you aren’t thirsty.
- Rest in the shade or an air-conditioned office.
- Don’t rely solely on fans to keep you cool. While electric fans might provide some comfort, they won’t prevent heat-related illness when temperatures are hot.
- Wear hats and light-colored clothing.
- Watch out for each other.
- Seek medical care immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, or vomiting.
- Check the local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips.
If an employee shows signs of a heat illness, such as abnormal thinking or behavior, slurred speech, seizures, or loss of consciousness, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends the following first aid tips for this medical emergency:
- Call 911 immediately
- Cool the worker with water or ice
- Stay with the worker until help arrives
If you have questions about this or any environmental health and safety matter, email ehs@nycha.nyc.gov.
For additional heat awareness safety information, please visit:
