---
title: "What Is Work/rest Schedule? Heat Stress and Hydration Glossary"
description: "A work/rest schedule sets how long crews work in the heat and how long they rest in a cool place. Rest gets longer as heat, sun and workload rise."
url: https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/work-rest-schedule
publisher: JMAR Solutions
phone: +1-214-632-7780
quote: https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/contact
---

Heat illness prevention

# Work/rest schedule

A work/rest schedule sets how long crews work in the heat and how long they rest in a cool place. Rest gets longer as heat, sun and workload rise.

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](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/heat-index) or [WBGT](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/wbgt) to set the split. See the [work/rest chart guide](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/guides/heat-index-work-rest-chart). It is one part of [water, rest, shade](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/water-rest-shade).

[From JMAR SolutionsHydration programs and toolbox talks for crews](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/hydration-programs)

## Related terms

-   [Heat index work rest chart](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/heat-index-work-rest-chart)
-   [Water rest shade](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/water-rest-shade)
-   [WBGT](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/wbgt)
-   [Acclimatization](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/acclimatization)
-   [Heat index](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/heat-index)

## Sources

1.  [CDC NIOSH: Workplace Recommendations](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/recommendations/index.html)
2.  [OSHA: Water. Rest. Shade.](https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/water-rest-shade)

![Ironworkers silhouetted on a steel frame against a hot orange sunset](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/_astro/sunset-steel.IhAMDca0_6wk53.webp)

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