Work/rest schedule

A work/rest schedule sets work blocks and rest breaks for hot jobs. NIOSH says to modify work/rest periods so the body can shed excess heat. Give new and unacclimatized workers lighter work and longer, more frequent rests.

Shorten work periods and lengthen rest as temperature, humidity and sunshine rise, when there is no air movement, when protective gear is worn, and for heavier work. OSHA says skipping breaks in hot conditions is not safe, and rest works best in a cooler place. Use the heat index or WBGT to set the split. See the work/rest chart guide. It is one part of water, rest, shade.