Summer’s here, and the time is right to take heat stress precautions. That’s the word from OSHA in its latest fact sheet, “Protecting Workers from the Effects of Heat.”

Exposure to heat can cause heat cramps and rashes, according to OSHA. The most serious heat-related disorders are heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Symptoms include confusion; irrational behavior; loss of consciousness; hot, dry skin; and abnormally high body temperature. Drinking cool water, reducing physical exertion, wearing appropriate clothing and regular rest periods in a cool recovery area can lessen the effects of working in summer heat, says the agency.

“Protecting Workers from the Effects of Heat” is a fact sheet explaining heat stress and how it can be prevented. The fact sheet “Working Outdoors in Warm Climates” provides recommendations on how to protect employees from exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) and offers information on insect-caused illnesses such as West Nile Virus and Lyme disease. Employers and employees will find more practical tips for guarding against UV radiation in “Protecting Yourself in the Sun,” a pocket-sized card addressing skin cancer, describing its varied forms, and suggesting ways to block UV rays.

These outdoor work-related publications and others are free and can be downloaded from the Publications page on OSHA’s Web site.