Staying safe in the heat: OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention Campaign

Kayla Quinnell
Jul 1
2 min read

Heat Illness Prevention graphic — OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention Campaign

What You Need to Know About OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention Campaign

As temperatures rise across the Northern Plains, protecting your team from heat-related illness is more important than ever. OSHA's annual Heat Illness Prevention Campaign is a critical reminder that working in hot conditions isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be

dangerous and even deadly without proper precautions.

At Northern Plains Compliance Consulting, we’re here to help you stay ahead of seasonal safety challenges. Here’s what you need to know to keep your crews safe and your company compliant.

Why Heat Illness Is a Serious Concern

Each year, thousands of workers in the U.S. suffer from heat-related illnesses—many of them preventable. Whether you're working outdoors in the sun or indoors in a poorly ventilated space, high temperatures can lead to:

Heat rash
Heat cramps
Heat exhaustion
Heat stroke (a life-threatening emergency)

Workers in agriculture, construction, oil & gas, and manufacturing are especially at risk—but no industry is immune.

OSHA’s Key Message: Water. Rest. Shade.

OSHA's campaign centers around three simple but powerful steps:

Water – Drink small amounts frequently, even if you’re not thirsty.
Rest – Schedule frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Shade – Provide and use shade when the heat index climbs.

Employer Responsibilities

For downloadable training and employer tools, visit the OSHA Heat Employer Resources page.

OSHA also recommends that employers:

Provide training on heat illness symptoms and response
Develop acclimatization protocols for new and returning workers
Create an emergency plan for heat illness situations

How Northern Plains Compliance Can Help

Not sure if your heat illness prevention plan is up to date? That’s where we come in. Our services can help you:

Develop or review your heat illness prevention program
Deliver tailgate trainings or toolbox talks tailored to your team
Assist with site audits to ensure shade, water, and rest are accessible
Help you prepare for a potential OSHA inspection during high-risk months

Take Action Now

Protecting your people from the heat is not just the right thing to do—it’s a legal and business imperative. Let us help you implement practical, compliant solutions before the thermometer rises again.

Need help? Let’s talk.