WHAT IS HEAT STRESS?
Heat stress is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to regulate its internal temperature and cool itself through sweating. Heat stress shows many symptoms and encompasses several heat-induced illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rashes. These conditions are more likely to occur during hot summer months but may affect workers and athletes in various climates and conditions year-round. The most common composite measurement used to determine appropriate exposure to heat stress conditions is Wet Bulb Globe Temperature or "WBGT."
Featured Blogs
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UIL Class 2 vs. Class 3: Which WBGT Thresholds Apply to Your School?
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A County-by-County Guide to Texas UIL Heat Stress Classifications for the 2026-27 School Year
Quick answer: Texas UIL schools are divided into two heat stress classifications based on geography. Class 2 applies to West Texas and the Panhandle — regions with lower baseline humidity — and modifications begin at a lower WBGT of 79.7&... -
OSHA’s Heat National Emphasis Program Extended Through 2031: What It Means and Why WBGT Monitoring Matters
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OSHA has extended its Heat National Emphasis Program (Heat NEP) through April 2031, giving the agency five more years to enforce heat safety at worksites nationwide before deciding on a permanent federal heat standard. The updated program adds clearer inspection appendices and checklists, expands the industries it covers, and continues to... -
The UIL WBGT Activity Chart, Level by Level
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What Each Flag Color Actually Requires — and What Happens if Conditions Change Mid-Practice
Quick answer: The UIL activity chart has five flag levels — Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, and Black — each tied to a specific WBGT range. Each level carries required modifications to practice duration, equipment, and rest ratios. The chart ...