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Extreme Heat & Health

Extreme heat is a dangerous condition characterized by abnormally high temperatures and often, high humidity, lasting for a prolonged period, typically 2-3 days or more. It is considered one of the deadliest weather-related threats, responsible for more annual deaths than all other weather-related disasters combined. Knowing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness can save lives. 

Heat Safety App

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration | National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health is a free, convenient app that provides users with real-time heat index information, hourly forecasts, signs of the different health-related heat illnesses, first aid, FAQs, customizable reminders for alerts when to take breaks, risk factors, and more. 

Download the app here:

Apple Store LinkGoogle Play Link

Screenshots:

OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool Screenshots

 

Small technical adjustments are made throughout the year to meet new programming standards set by the app store. Changes to the app function and content may also occur as the science around the heat index and the app’s usage evolves. It is important to regularly download updates to ensure you are using the latest version of the app.

Key considerations for using the app

  • Heat index (HI) values were created for shady, light wind conditions, so exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15°F.
  • The simplicity of the HI makes it a good option for many outdoor work environments (if no additional radiant heat sources are present, such as fires or hot machinery). However, if you have the ability, NIOSH recommends using wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT)-based Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs) and Recommended Alert Limits (RALs) in hot environments.
  • Use of the HI or WBGT is important, but other factors, such as strenuous physical activity, also cause heat stress among workers. Employers should have a robust heat stress prevention program in place to ensure that workers are adequately protected.
  • NIOSH and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are considering new scientific data related to HI levels and how to incorporate the evolving science most effectively. It is important to regularly download updates to ensure you are using the latest version of the app.

Heat App Logo https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatapp.html 

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