The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has released a free mobile application that allows workers to monitor the heat index at work sites in an effort to avoid heat-related illnesses.

"Summer heat presents a serious issue that affects some of the most vulnerable workers in our country, and education is crucial to keeping them safe," says Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Heat-related illnesses are preventable. This new app is just one way the Labor Department is getting that message out."

By combining health index data from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with the user's location, the app, which is available in English and Spanish, reveals the necessary protective measures and provides information about precautions that should be taken, such as drinking fluids, taking rest breaks and adjusting work operations.