Heat stress compliance checklist: 17 points to check before 1 December
Seventeen yes-or-no points, grouped like the MOM / WSH Council checklist. Go through them with your site team to find the gaps.
The quickest way to see whether your worksite is ready for MOM's enhanced heat-stress measures is a plain yes-or-no checklist. The 17 points below follow the same groups and order as the MOM / WSH Council heat stress management checklist, updated for the measures that take effect on 1 December 2026.
Go through it with your site manager and WSH officer. Every "no" is a gap to close.
Risk management
- Risk assessment done, including heat stress as a hazard for outdoor work.
Acclimatise
- Heat acclimatisation programme for workers who are newly assigned to outdoor work, new or back from a cold climate, back from more than a week of leave, or recovering from a long illness. Exposure is built up over at least 7 days. See our 7-day acclimatisation plan.
Drink
- Cool drinking water near work areas, no more than a 3 to 5 minute walk away.
- Regular hydration, scheduled and supervised, at least every hour: about 300 ml an hour or more depending on the work. See how to plan water for your crew.
Rest and shade
- At least 10 minutes' rest every hour for heavy physical work when WBGT reaches 32°C.
- At least 15 minutes' rest every hour for heavy physical work when WBGT reaches 33°C, longer as it rises.
- Shaded rest areas near the work, well ventilated and insulated or cooled where practicable.
Monitor WBGT
- WBGT checked every hour during work, especially in the hottest hours. Some sites need their own calibrated meter; see who needs a WBGT meter.
Reschedule
- Heavy outdoor work moved to cooler parts of the day where feasible.
Train and monitor workers
- Heat stress training for workers exposed to heat: signs, risk factors, site measures and emergency steps.
- Buddy system so heat illness is spotted and reported early.
- Vulnerable workers identified, with plans to redeploy them when needed.
Emergency response
- On-site emergency procedure for heat injury, such as cold water, ice packs, water spray or a shower.
- A clear way for workers to report feeling unwell.
- Cold water, ice packs or water spray on standby for emergencies. See first aid for heat illness.
Clothing and ventilation
- Suitable clothing that protects workers from excessive heat: loose, breathable or moisture-wicking, while meeting the PPE the task needs.
- Good ventilation at rest and work areas, such as fans or air coolers.
Which points are new on 1 December?
Four of the points move from recommended to required on 1 December 2026: training (10), cool water near work areas (3), emergency cooling on standby (15) and suitable clothing (16). If you only have time to fix a few gaps this month, start there. More on what changed in the four measures becoming mandatory.
Keep the evidence
A "yes" is only as good as the record behind it. For each point, keep something you can show: the risk assessment, training attendance, the hourly WBGT log, the water refill schedule, and the daily check of the emergency cooling kit.
Take the check online
The same 17 points are Step 3 on our kit page. Answer them, and the kit list leaves out what you already have and covers the gaps.
Based on MOM's Heat Stress Measures for Outdoor Work and its FAQs. General guidance only; always check the latest official checklist.