As temperatures and humidity rise in the summer, so do risks like heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration. It’s especially important for those working in high-temperature environments to recognize concerning signs and minimize exposure that can have serious consequences. Air temperature, humidity, direct sunlight and air quality can increase risk of heat illness.
If you’re working outdoors - or indoors with no air conditioning - you can protect yourself and others by recognizing the signs of heat-related illness. Spotting the signs early and taking quick action can make all the difference. Let’s break it down.
Understanding heat-related illnesses and risks
Heat exhaustion
- What to watch for: Heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, headache, muscle cramps, cool/clammy skin.
- What to do: Get the affected individual to a shaded or air-conditioned spot, rehydrate with water and monitor closely. If untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. If symptoms persist, call for medical help.
Heat stroke
- What to watch for: Hot/dry skin, confusion, rapid pulse, loss of consciousness.
- What to do: This is a medical emergency—call 911 immediately, cool them down with cold packs or wet cloths in the groin, armpits and back of the neck, and stay with them until help arrives.
Heat cramps
- What to watch for: Painful muscle spasms, usually in the legs, arms or abdomen.
- What to do: Hydrate, rest and stretch the affected muscles.
Heat rash
- What to watch for: Small red blisters or irritation caused by blocked sweat ducts, often where clothing rubs the skin.
- What to do: Keep the affected area dry and cool. Encourage individual to wear loose clothing to prevent further friction, as well as to consult with a licensed medical practitioner.
Steps to help prevent heat-related illness
- Stay hydrated: Drink water before, during and after activities and prolonged time spent outside. Set up hydration stations and follow this practice: No water, no activity. Drink small amounts of water frequently (approximately one cup every 15 minutes) as opposed to a large quantity of liquids at one time.
- Acclimatization: Gradually acclimate your body to working in hot environments. Ease people into working in hot environments so their bodies can adapt/build a tolerance to heat stress demands.
- Adjust the schedule: Plan high-energy activities for early mornings or late afternoons. Use the hottest hours for indoor or shaded activities.
- Cool down zones: Create designated rest areas with shade, fans and cooling towels. Require everyone to take regular breaks and rotate through these areas.
- Buddy system: Assign buddies to keep an eye on each other. Heat illness can sneak up fast —never leave anyone alone in the heat.
- Train your team: Teach staff how to spot symptoms and respond quickly. Rehearse and prepare using role-playing or real-life scenarios. Use regular reminders and visual aids such as posters or infographics to reinforce knowledge.
- Personal characteristics: Remind staff that their body’s physiology has an impact on their ability to cope with heat. Medications, foods/beverages, physical condition, age and other factors can also affect the way a person deals with heat exposure.
- Clothing and gear: Wear light, loose and breathable clothing. Provide hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Cooling vests or neck wraps can be game changers during peak heat. Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
- Plan ahead and stay informed: Tools like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) HeatRisk Map and the Heat Safety Tool from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) can provide information to help you better plan and adjust schedules and activities in advance.
By understanding the risks of heat-related illnesses and taking steps to prevent them, you can help protect your people's health and well-being. Make heat safety a priority today and help build a healthier environment.
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