Work outside in hot weather? Remember Water, Shade, and Rest are your rights

As the temperatures rise, remember to stay safe and healthy!

• Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty

• Look out for your fellow workers

• Wear light colored, loose clothing and a hat

• Know where you are working in case 911 needs to be called

• Rest in the shade

By law, your employer needs to provide clean, safe water to drink, provide shade if temperatures are above 80, and allow for rest breaks

Recognizing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be the difference between life and death. Do you know what they are?

If you or a fellow coworker with these symptoms, get help right away!

• There’s not enough water to drink during your shift?

• The weather report says temperatures will reach 80 ̊F (26.7 ̊ Celsius) but there is no shade anywhere?

• There is so much pressure to work that it is impossible to rest and cool off, even when it is hot and you feel dizzy, weak or sick to your stomach? These could be symptoms of heat illness.

• You have seen other workers become ill after working in the heat all day, but you have no idea what to do if the same emergency happens again?

Unsafe conditions—such as lack of water, no shade, or pressure to work without rest—should not be ignored. Workers have the right to report these issues to Cal/OSHA confidentially and without fear of retaliation. Cal/OSHA will investigate if you and other workers are in danger of heat illness or death and will not ask you about your immigration status.

Workers have the right to contact Cal/OSHA without fear of reprisal. If they experience retaliation, help them contact the nearest office of the Labor Commissioner within six months.

Call 1-877-99-CALOR (1-877-992-2567)

Your call is confidential. Visit 99calor.org for more info

Information provided by the Heat Illness Prevention campaign