Safety

Heat Illness Prevention

heat illness

UCLA Health Heat Illness Prevention Program

Heat illness can affect anyone exposed to hot environments, especially during strenuous work or prolonged exposure to heat. The UCLA Health Office of Environmental Health & Safety is committed to helping our workorce recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness, understand risk factors, and take practical steps to stay safe.

This page provides heat illness prevention education, training, resources, and guidance to help UCLA Health employees prepare for and respond to heat exposure in the workplace. Explore the resources below to learn how to prevent heat illness, recognize when someone may need help, and respond quickly when symptoms occur.

online training

Heat Illness Prevention Education

Learn how to recognize, prevent, and respond to heat illness in the workplace.

Topics include:
•    Heat illness risk factors
•    Signs and symptoms
•    Prevention strategies
•    Hydration and rest
•    Acclimatization
•    Emergency response

UCLA Health Heat Illness Prevention Education

  1. Go to the Cornerstone portal and login using your UCLA AD credentials.   
  2. Navigate to “My Learning.” 
  3. Search for the course by title: “Heat Illness Prevention Training”.
  4. Click Launch to start the training.  
temp

Know the Signs

Heat illness can progress quickly. Recognizing symptoms early can help prevent a medical emergency.

Symptom

Signs

Treatment

Heat Rash

Itching/irritation of the skin from clogged sweat glands.

Keep the affected area dry. Apply powder if necessary to absorb moisture. 

Heat Cramps

Painful spasms in arms, legs or abdomen. Hot, moist skin.

Drink fluids. Massage cramped areas. Rest in shade.

Heat Exhaustion

• Heavy sweating
• Intense thirst
• Pale and cool skin
• Rapid pulse
• Fatigue/weakness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Blurred vision

Move to cool, shaded area. Rest with legs elevated. Loosen clothing. Drink plenty of fluids. 

Heat Stroke

• Very high body temperature
• Lack of sweating
• Hot, red, dry skin
• Rapid pulse
• Fatigue/weakness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Rapid pulse

Call 911 immediately. Move to shade. Provide water. Apply cool, wet towels. Use ventilation or fan.

water

Prevent Heat Illness

Stay Hydrated
Drink water regularly throughout your work period. Don't wait until you feel thirsty.

Take Appropriate Breaks
Use designated rest or cooling areas and take appropriate breaks when working in hot conditions. 

Stay Cool
Use available cooling methods and avoid unnecessary exposure to excessive heat.

Know Your Risk
Certain work activities, environments, PPE, and individual factors can increase the risk of heat illness.

Acclimatize
Employees who are new to working in hot environments or returning after an extended absence may need time to gradually adjust to the heat.

Look Out for Each Other
Know the signs of heat illness and speak up if you or a coworker begins experiencing symptoms.

first aid

 

First Aid for Heat Illness

 

  1. Stop
    Stop the person's exposure to heat.
  2. Move
    Move them to a cooler location.
  3. Cool
    Begin appropriate cooling measures.
  4. Assess
    Monitor the person's condition and follow applicable emergency procedures.
  5. Get Help
    If symptoms are severe or do not improve, call 911 immediately