The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Aug. 11 announced the release of a free application for mobile devices that will enable workers and supervisors to monitor the heat index at their work sites in order to prevent heat-related illnesses.

The app is available in English and Spanish and combines heat index data from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with the user’s location. Based on the risk level of the heat index, the app provides users with information about precautions they may take, such as drinking fluids, taking rest breaks and adjusting work operations. Users also can review the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses, and learn about first aid steps to take in an emergency.

Supervisors can use the app to get more information on how to gradually build up the workload for new workers as well as how to train employees on heat illness signs and symptoms. All users can contact OSHA directly through the app.

In addition to the app, OSHA recently launched a national outreach initiative to educate workers and employers about the hazards of heat illness. The initiative includes educational materials on heat illness in English and Spanish, as well as resources for conducting training in the workplace. A new web page also offers information on how to prevent heat illness and what to do in an emergency.

To download the app, visit OSHA’s website.