Washington State Outdoor Heat Exposure Rules:

Protecting Workers from Heat-Related Illnesses

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) updated its Outdoor Heat Exposure rules, effective June 27, 2023, to safeguard workers from the risks associated with high temperatures. These rules aim to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can result in severe health complications, including acute kidney damage. The updates also address traumatic injuries linked to heat exposure, including falls and equipment-related accidents.

Year-Round Heat Safety Measures

The updated rules apply year-round whenever workers are exposed to outdoor heat, with specific temperature thresholds, or “action levels,” determining when preventive measures must be taken. These thresholds vary based on clothing:

• For workers in non-breathable clothing, protections are required at temperatures of 52°F (11°C) or higher.
• For workers in all other types of clothing, the threshold is 80°F (26.6°C).

These action levels trigger the implementation of protective measures, including access to shade, hydration, rest periods, and acclimatization practices.

Mandatory Shade and Cooling Measures

Employers must provide shade or alternative cooling methods whenever outdoor temperatures meet or exceed the action levels. The shade must be sufficient to accommodate all employees during meal or rest periods, allowing them to sit fully shaded. It should be located close to work areas for ease of access. By offering a place to cool down, employers reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and promote recovery during breaks.

Hydration Requirements

Workers must have access to suitably cool drinking water, available in quantities that allow each employee to consume at least one quart (946 ml) per hour. This ensures workers are hydrated throughout their shift and reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses. Water must be readily accessible and replenished throughout the workday as needed.

Rest Periods and Observation

Employers can align these rest breaks with meal or other mandated rest periods, ensuring compliance with wage and hour laws. These breaks must be paid unless taken during an unpaid meal period. Allowing the body to cool down helps prevent heat-related illnesses and reduces the risk of accidents caused by fatigue.

Employers are also required to closely observe workers who are not acclimatized to high temperatures. This includes new employees, those returning after an absence, and all workers during heat waves. A heat wave is defined as a day when the temperature exceeds the action level and is at least 10°F (12°C) higher than the average high temperatures over the previous five days. Observation can involve regular check-ins, a buddy system, or other effective communication methods, such as an employee safety monitoring app.

Training and Emergency Preparedness

Employers must provide annual training to employees and supervisors on recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Training should also include procedures for preventing and responding to these illnesses, the importance of hydration and rest, and policies for accessing shade and cooling resources. All training must be delivered in a language employees fully understand.

Emergency procedures must be in place to address heat-related symptoms, including providing first aid and ensuring workers can quickly access medical assistance if needed. Supervisors and employees must have reliable communication tools, such as radios or cell phones, to report illnesses and request immediate assistance.

Workers can combine regular check-ins, panic buttons, and worker-down features within an employee safety monitoring app. These apps can be downloaded directly to a smartphone, eliminating the need for staff to carry additional devices. Packed with safety features like GPS locations and timed activity check-ins, these apps, like Ok Alone, provide an extra layer of protection for staff who need it most. 

Acclimatization Requirements

Acclimatization, where workers gradually adapt to working in high temperatures, is vital to preventing heat-related illnesses. This adaptation typically takes 7–14 days but can be lost after just a week away from heat exposure. The rules require employers to monitor and support acclimatization efforts, especially during sudden heat increases or heat waves.

Flexibility in Scheduling

To minimize heat exposure, some employers, particularly in agriculture, have adjusted work schedules to start earlier in the day, reducing the time workers spend in peak afternoon temperatures. This proactive approach aligns with best practices for worker safety in extreme heat.

Conclusion

The updated Outdoor Heat Exposure rules reflect Washington State’s commitment to protecting workers from the dangers of outdoor heat. By implementing these measures—providing shade, cool drinking water, rest breaks, training, and emergency plans—employers can reduce the risks of heat-related illnesses and injuries. These comprehensive requirements ensure a safer, healthier work environment for employees facing the challenges of working in high temperatures.

For official documentation from Washington State Department of Labor and Industries see:

https://www.lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-training-materials/workshops-events/beheatsmart#requirements
https://www.lni.wa.gov/forms-publications/F417-300-000.pdf