RALEIGH, N.C. — As summer temperatures rise across North Carolina, Labor Commissioner Luke Farley and the N.C. Department of Labor (NCDOL) are urging employers and outdoor workers to take proactive steps to prevent heat-related illnesses on the job.
“Heat illness is preventable,” said Commissioner Farley. “Whether you’re in the field, on a construction site, or working outdoors in any capacity, the keys to staying safe are simple: rest, water, and shade. Safety is a shared responsibility, and by working together, we can make sure everyone goes home safe and healthy at the end of the day.”
‘Beat the Heat’ Campaign Offers Practical Tools
The department’s “Beat the Heat” initiative is a renewed push to reduce heat stress and heat-related injuries in workplaces across the state. The campaign equips both employers and employees with accessible, actionable tools including:
- A heat safety calculator
- A real-time heat index app
- Hazard alerts and training videos
- Agriculture-focused materials, such as podcasts and sample safety programs
These resources are available on the NCDOL’s Heat Injury and Illness Prevention page, offering convenient access to essential information.
Free Wallet Cards Available
To improve on-the-go access, NCDOL is distributing wallet-sized cards featuring a QR code linking directly to heat safety resources. Workers and employers are encouraged to keep the card handy during the hotter months.
“This isn’t about new regulations,” Commissioner Farley emphasized. “It’s about common-sense steps and working together to protect the people who provide for their families and power our economy.”
For more information or to request heat safety materials, visit www.labor.nc.gov.
