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2026-07-14: Warm Weather Safety on Behalf of EH&S

2026-07-14: Warm Weather Safety on Behalf of EH&S

Expected warm summer temperatures in Santa Barbara increase the risk of heat-related illness. Heat-related illness is a serious medical condition that occurs when the body is unable to cool itself sufficiently through sweating. Both personal and environmental factors can contribute to the likelihood of developing heat-related illness, which can include heat rash, heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. 

 

Cal/OSHA has two Heat Illness Prevention Standards that may apply to UCSB employees, depending on the environment in which they work (indoor or outdoor). Supervisors of employees who work outdoors or in indoor areas where temperatures exceed 82°F for 15 minutes or more within a one-hour period must implement specific heat illness prevention measures.  These measures include ensuring that affected employees complete the 20-minute “Heat Illness Prevention” training, which is available online through the UCSB Learning Center.  Additional campus procedures, resources, and requirements for reducing the risk of heat-related illness can be found on the EHS Heat Illness Prevention Program website: https://www.ehs.ucsb.edu/programs-services/industrial-hygiene/heat-illness-prevention-program

Factors that increase the risk of heat related illness:

  • Above-average temperatures and high humidity

  • Direct exposure to the sun or other heat sources

  • Limited air movement

  • Age (especially individuals older than 65 and children younger than two years old)

  • Poor physical fitness

  • Lack of acclimatization

  • Consumption of alcohol, drugs, and caffeine

  • Use of medications that affect tolerance to heat

  • Increased exertion and duration of physical activities

  • Dark non-breathable clothing and/or personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by employees

Heat illness prevention measures to consider include the following:

  • Monitor weather conditions and schedule outdoor work and other activities for cooler periods.

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids (water and electrolyte beverages).

  • Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink, and avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

  • Seek shade and wear loose-fitting, breathable, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.

  • Take breaks often and limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.

  • Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.

  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone, or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

  • Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.

  • Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. During the summer, the inside temperature of a car can quickly rise to 120oF (49oC) or more.

If you or someone you are with is experiencing symptoms or signs of heat-related illness, call 911 for emergency medical assistance immediately.
  
Please contact the EHS Industrial Hygiene Program (ehs-ih@ucsb.edu) if you have any questions.

Tim Fitzpatrick, Executive Director, Environmental Health & Safety