OSHA NIOSH Heat Safety Tool icon
OSHA NIOSH Heat Safety Tool: Comprehensive Review of Workplace Heat Risk Management

by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2.9
ANDROIDWeather
Government-developed Android app providing real-time heat index monitoring and safety recommendations for outdoor workers. Offers location-specific forecasts and OSHA/NIOSH compliance guidance for heat illness prevention.

Detailed Review

The OSHA NIOSH Heat Safety Tool represents a specialized government-developed application designed to address occupational heat exposure risks. Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this Android application serves as a digital companion for outdoor workers and safety managers who require accurate environmental monitoring to comply with workplace safety regulations. The app occupies a unique position in the market as one of the few tools backed directly by federal safety agencies. The application's core functionality centers on real-time heat index calculation using location data, providing both current conditions and hourly forecasts. The interface displays color-coded risk levels ranging from caution to extreme danger, accompanied by specific OSHA and NIOSH recommendations for each risk category. Additional features include hydration reminders, rest break guidance, and educational resources about heat illness symptoms and prevention strategies. The tool automatically updates based on GPS coordinates, eliminating manual data entry requirements. User experience analysis reveals a functional but utilitarian interface prioritizing information clarity over aesthetic appeal. The main screen presents the current heat index prominently with corresponding safety recommendations immediately accessible. Real-world usage patterns indicate the app serves primarily as a pre-shift planning tool and periodic safety check during work hours. Field testing shows reliable performance when location services function properly, though some users report occasional connectivity issues affecting data accuracy. User feedback trends demonstrate polarized experiences, with many praising accuracy while others report technical issues. Multiple five-star reviews from 2023-2024 highlight the app's precision compared to manual calculations, with user 'No Thankyou' noting on June 25, 2023: 'The app seems to be very accurate compared to how I normally calculate Heat Index by hand.' However, technical problems persist, as evidenced by 'Chrysanthi Gavagan's' June 21, 2024 review detailing location data failures despite permission checks and reinstallations. Feature requests include timestamp documentation for compliance purposes, as mentioned by user 'Rafael' on July 21, 2024. The application's primary strength lies in its authoritative safety recommendations directly from regulatory agencies, making it valuable for compliance documentation. However, the 2.9 rating reflects persistent technical reliability issues that undermine its utility. The tool serves best as part of a comprehensive heat safety program rather than a standalone solution, particularly for construction, agriculture, and landscaping professionals requiring OSHA-compliant heat illness prevention measures.

Key Features

  • Real-time heat index calculation using GPS location data to provide accurate, location-specific risk assessment for outdoor work planning
  • Color-coded risk level indicator with corresponding OSHA/NIOSH safety recommendations for immediate hazard recognition and response
  • Hourly forecast functionality allowing workers to plan activities around predicted heat conditions throughout the workday
  • Hydration and rest break recommendations tailored to specific heat index levels and workload intensities
  • Educational resources on heat illness symptoms, prevention strategies, and first response procedures from authoritative sources
  • Offline functionality for areas with limited connectivity, storing previously downloaded weather data for continuous access

Why Users Love It

Official OSHA/NIOSH safety protocols
Location-specific real-time data

Perfect for: Outdoor workers and safety managers requiring heat exposure monitoring

Screenshots

OSHA NIOSH Heat Safety Tool screenshot 1OSHA NIOSH Heat Safety Tool screenshot 2OSHA NIOSH Heat Safety Tool screenshot 3OSHA NIOSH Heat Safety Tool screenshot 4OSHA NIOSH Heat Safety Tool screenshot 5OSHA NIOSH Heat Safety Tool screenshot 6

User Reviews

No Thankyou
Jun 25, 2023

The app seems to be very accurate compared to how I normally calculate Heat Index by hand. I guess if you didn't want to use this app, which targets your individual location. you could use one of the generic calculators and enter in your own data. I'll keep checking this from time to time, but the only thing that seems to be missing is the taking into account the effect of the sunlight, unless perhaps, I have missed that.

No Thankyou
Jun 25, 2023

The app seems to be very accurate compared to how I normally calculate Heat Index by hand. I guess if you didn't want to use this app, which targets your individual location. you could use one of the generic calculators and enter in your own data. I'll keep checking this from time to time, but the only thing that seems to be missing is the taking into account the effect of the sunlight, unless perhaps, I have missed that.

Rafael
Jul 21, 2024

App is great.. Only one question or request, is it possible to add date on the display for proof. Some companies like to point out the temperature is irrelevant if they cannot see the date and time

Rafael
Jul 21, 2024

App is great.. Only one question or request, is it possible to add date on the display for proof. Some companies like to point out the temperature is irrelevant if they cannot see the date and time

Tony H
Jun 15, 2023

Whether you're dealing with outdoor workers, sports teams, or the family outing, this app is a must have. NOTE: The app gives current heat index and controls for your current location. To see what the risks and controls are at the peek of the day, you can click on the "Hourly" icon at the bottom of the app or type in the forecast temp and humidity and specific location you'll be in at that time.

App Details

Developer

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Platform

android

Rating

2.9

Last Updated

9/7/2025