How ActionOnsite Injury Prevention Specialists Support Heat Stress Prevention

Jun 18

At ActionOnsite, our licensed clinicians, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Athletic Trainers, and Assistants, are specially trained to recognize the early signs of heat stress and implement proactive interventions that align with OSHA’s first aid guidelines. Our Injury Prevention Specialists provide on-site coaching to ensure team members stay hydrated, take appropriate breaks, and understand how to self-monitor for heat-related symptoms.

We help integrate heat illness prevention strategies into daily workflows by:

Reinforcing acclimatization protocols for new hires and returning workers
Monitoring job task intensity in high-heat environments
Educating leadership and staff on the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
Encouraging the use of rest, shade, and cooling techniques to stay within safe exertion zones
Supporting wellness check-ins during peak summer months to reduce risks before they escalate

By embedding these practices into your existing safety culture, ActionOnsite helps you stay compliant with OSHA expectations while protecting the well-being of your workforce.

🧠 Education & Tips: Staying Safe in the Heat

Our clinicians actively educate teams on heat illness prevention during proactive wellness visits and daily check-ins. Here are key reminders and safety tips we reinforce on-site:

✅ Know the Early Warning Signs

Heat Exhaustion: heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, clammy skin, rapid pulse
Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency): confusion, hot dry skin, loss of consciousness, high body temp

Tip: If a teammate looks off—ask. The buddy system can save lives.

💧 Hydration Is Key

Drink water every 15–20 minutes (even if you’re not thirsty)
Avoid energy drinks, soda, and excessive caffeine
Add electrolytes if sweating heavily or working extended hours

Tip: Keep a refillable water bottle nearby—clinicians can provide hydration tracking tools upon request.

🌡 Use the 20/20/20 Rule for High Heat

Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and drink at least 4 oz of water
Every 2 hours, take a longer cool-down rest break in the shade or a cool area

Tip: If possible, rotate out of high-exertion tasks during the hottest parts of the day (typically 12–4 p.m.)

🧢 Dress Smart

Light-colored, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing
Use hats, neck shades, or cooling towels
Wear OSHA-approved PPE designed for high-temperature work

Tip: Our team can recommend PPE options and help source cooling gear.

⚙️ Acclimatize New & Returning Workers

Gradually build tolerance over 7–14 days
Adjust workloads and monitor closely during their first shifts back

Tip: AOS clinicians can assist with acclimatization schedules and monitor fatigue levels during shift transitions.

📱 Tech Tools & Apps

Use the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App for real-time heat index and risk alerts
Post QR codes near break areas that link to hydration tips, heat illness visuals, and micro-break guides
For more information please visit OSHA website.

Tip: Ask your AOS clinician to help set this up during their next site visit.

If you are not enrolled in our Program Click here to send a request to learn how to enroll in the Injury Prevention Program with ActionOnsite.

Sonia Lopez