When employees need to work in hot environments or are exposed to extreme heat, they are at risk from heat stress. In other contexts, stress describes forces acting on an object, exerting pressure or tension. The same definition applies to heat stress in occupational settings. When a worker is exposed to heat hazards on the job, the body has to work harder to maintain a normal temperature and is at greater risk of developing a heat-related illness.
Heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion can be deadly or debilitating. Other illnesses such as heat cramps and heat rash are painful conditions that can increase a worker’s risk of injury.