Heat illness prevention at US workplaces: the status of the federal heat rule, the General Duty Clause, OSHA's heat National Emphasis Program, state heat standards, heat stroke signs and first aid, acclimatization, water and reporting (29 CFR 1904.39). Free practice quiz with instant feedback; every explanation cites its source on osha.gov (regulatory text, the heat National Emphasis Program or OSHA's heat pages). There is no final federal OSHA heat standard yet; some states have their own. Independent review material: not affiliated with or endorsed by OSHA, and it does not replace the training your employer must provide.
Question 1 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
As of October 2026, what is the status of a federal OSHA heat standard?
- A final rule has applied to all employers since 2024
- Proposed in 2024, no final federal rule yet
- OSHA withdrew the idea of a heat rule in 2022
- It applies only to employers in Texas and Florida
Question 2 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
Without a specific heat standard, how does federal OSHA cite heat hazards?
- It cannot cite heat hazards at all
- Under the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1)
- Only under the occupational noise exposure standard
- Only through state labor departments
Question 3 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
Under OSHA's heat National Emphasis Program (CPL 03-00-024), what is a "heat priority day"?
- A day when the heat index is expected to be 80°F or more
- Any day in July and August, whatever the weather
- A day when the measured air temperature in the shade passes 100°F
- A day chosen by the employer for heat training
Question 4 · Multiple choice · 90s · 1 pt
Which states have their own heat exposure standards, according to OSHA's heat standards page? Choose the 3 correct answers.
- California
- Oregon
- Washington
- New York
Question 5 · Multiple choice · 90s · 1 pt
Which signs point to heat stroke? Choose the 3 correct answers.
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Unconsciousness
- Mild thirst only
Question 6 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
A coworker in the heat becomes confused and slurs their words. What should you do first?
- Give them a salt tablet and send them back to work
- Let them rest alone in the truck until the shift ends
- Call 911 and start cooling them right away
- Wait and see whether they feel better in an hour
Question 7 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
Which cooling method does OSHA call the best way to cool a worker rapidly in an emergency?
- Immersion in cold water or an ice bath
- A cold drink taken in small sips
- A small fan blowing from across the room
- Resting in the sun with a wet hat
Question 8 · True / False · 90s · 1 pt
When you are not sure which heat illness a worker has, OSHA advises you to work out the exact diagnosis before giving first aid.
Question 9 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
According to OSHA, when do almost half of heat-related deaths happen?
- After ten or more years doing the same job at one site
- On the first day on the job or back from leave
- Only during night shifts, when workers are tired
- Only in workers who are over 65 years of age
Question 10 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
What does acclimatization mean?
- Wearing lighter, looser clothes in the summer months
- Drinking water only when thirsty
- The body gradually adapting to tolerate heat
- Moving all work to the night shift
Question 11 · True / False · 90s · 1 pt
Workers in the heat should drink only when they feel thirsty.
Question 12 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
Within how many hours must an employer report a work-related inpatient hospitalization, including one from heat stroke, to OSHA?
- 8 hours
- 72 hours
- 7 days
- 24 hours
Question 13 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
For jobs in the heat lasting more than two hours, what does OSHA suggest providing besides cool water?
- Coffee or caffeinated energy drinks
- Electrolyte-containing drinks
- Salt tablets only
- Nothing more is needed