Heat Advisory in place through at least Tuesday night, Aug. 15

A Heat Advisory has been issued for the period of Sunday night through at least Tuesday evening, Aug. 13-15. Daytime temperatures are expected in the 80s to 90s. Nighttime temperatures will be in the 60s, preventing significant overnight cooling.

For our outdoor workers this is well above the 80 degree temperature which triggers L&I’s Outdoor Heat Exposure rules. If you are covered by this rule you should already have had training in how to stay safe. If you are not sure please be sure to check with your supervisor.

For those not covered by the rule there are still things you can do to protect yourself. Supervisors and employees can work together to consider how to address the heat. Some possibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Flexible work schedules to allow for work during cooler hours
• Temporary movement of work to a cooler area
• Allowing the worker to take appropriate leave time
• Teleworking
• Relaxing professional dress expectation (without compromising required PPE or other safety gear required for the job)
• Purchase of fans for the work area *
• Purchase of evaporative clothing accessories such as bandannas or hats
• In the case of medical need, formal medical accommodation should be discussed with HR

*Please note- Personal air conditioners require a great deal of electricity to operate. Due to the concern of electrical overload on building systems and the subsequent impact to the safety of occupants, personal air conditioners are not a viable option.

More information is available on L&I’s Be Heat Smart page.

Remember: Rest, Shade, Hydrate.