State-level workplace heat rules can save lives, but only if workers and employers know about them.

Oregon

HEAT INDEX  Oregon OSHA’s heat rule uses something called the “heat index.” Heat index is a “feels like” measurement that factors humidity into account, because it’s harder for the body to cool itself through perspiration when humidity is high. A federal OSHA smartphone app can tell you what the heat index is right now where you are. Download it at osha.gov/heat/heat-app

WHEN HEAT INDEX ≥ 80° F

• SHADE  Provide shade, with ventilation for cooling, as close as practical to where employees are working, and with enough room for all employees who are resting at a given time.
• WATER  Provide enough cool drinking water (below  77° F) that each employee can consume 32 ounces per hour.  

WHEN HEAT INDEX > 90° F

Both of the above, plus:

• COMMUNICATION  Stay in communication with employees working alone, and institute a mandatory buddy system.
• EXTRA BREAKS  Ensure that each employee takes extra rest breaks to prevent heat illness, a 10-minute break every 2 hours when working between 90 and 100 degrees, and a 15-minute break every hour at above 100 degrees.

Washington

OUTDOOR WORK  Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries enforces a heat rule that gives outdoor workers the right to cool-down breaks when it gets hot. The rules apply to most people who work outside for more than 15 minutes in an hour. And work inside cabs, sheds and other structures can be considered “outside” if there is no way to control temperature.  Find out more at LNI.wa.gov/heatsmart.

WHEN TEMPERATURE ≥ 80° F

• OPTIONAL COOL-DOWN BREAKS  If workers feel too hot or tired, they may ask for a cool-down break and the employer must grant it..
• SHADE  Employers must provide a shaded area to let workers to cool off. Sitting in a car with no A/C doesn’t count as shade.
• WATER  The employer must provide at least a quart of water once an hour.

WHEN TEMPERATURE ≥ 90° F

Same as above, except:

• MANDATORY COOL-DOWN BREAKS  Employers are mandated to provide 10-minute breaks each hour.

WHEN TEMPERATURE ≥ 100° F

Same as above, except:

• LONGER MANDATORY COOL-DOWN BREAKS  Employers are mandated to provide 15-minute breaks each hour.