Ensuring Adequate Rest Breaks
When the adjusted heat index exceeds 80°F (WBGT > 70), employers must provide shaded or cool areas for rest and hydration breaks. The adjusted heat index accounts for both temperature and humidity, giving a more accurate measure of how hot it actually feels.
Purpose of Rest Breaks:
Rest breaks help lower the body’s heat load by allowing workers to pause in a cooler environment.
Adjust with Heat:
As heat levels rise above the action threshold, both the length and frequency of breaks should increase to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Optimize Recovery:
Enhancing the break area with fans, misters, or air conditioning improves cooling, helping workers recover faster and return to work safely, reducing prolonged downtime.
Break Schedules:
ANSI A10.50-2024 (Appendix 4) provides a simplified schedule for workers who are acclimatized and unacclimatized to hot conditions. The chart outlines the recommended minutes per hour that workers should spend on active work versus resting at specific temperatures.