Heat Advisory--Taking Care of Yourself

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MAY 19, 2026—It's not even summer yet, but we're already feeling the scorching heat.

Your union advises you follow the following guidance to stay safe as temperatures rise:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water

• Cool down in designated work areas and break rooms with air conditioning

• Ensure ventilation to bring in clean air and take out hot air

• Make adequate water supplies part of your daily workplace inspection. 

Working in the heat is not safe. You have the right to a safe & comfortable work environment. Your body builds up heat when you work and sweats to get rid of it. Too much heat can make you tired, hurt your job performance, and increase your chance of serious injury.

When the temperature changes quickly, you need time for your body to get adjusted to the heat. Heat exhaustion happens when your body overheats and loses water and salt too quickly. If untreated, it can escalate to heatstroke which is life threatening.

What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion?

• Headaches

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Weakness

• Mood changes such as irritability, confusion, or the inability to think straight

• Upset stomach

• Vomiting

• Decreased or dark-colored urine

• Fainting or passing out and pale, clammy skin

What should you do?

• Act immediately! If not treated, heat exhaustion may escalate to heat stroke or even death

• Move the victim to a cool, shaded area to rest. Don’t leave them alone.

• If symptoms include dizziness or lightheadedness, lay the victim on their back and raise their legs 6 to 8 inches

• If symptoms include nausea or upset stomach, lay the victim on their side

• Loosen and remove any heavy clothing

• Have the person drink cool water (about a cup every 15 minutes) unless sick to the stomach

• Cool the person’s body by fanning and spraying with a cool mist of water or applying a wet cloth to the person’s skin

• Call 911 and contact supervision.

Workers in RTO, buses and stations should call the appropriate Control Center.

To contact supervision in TA/OA/MTA Bus: Call Console and request immediate assistance

RTO Command: 212-712-4480

CED: Call your Barn Chair or Local union rep

MOW Control: 212-712-4120

If needed, file a Safety Rule Dispute Resolution Form.