Working outdoors in hot industrial settings can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Protect your team by putting a system in place to prevent these common workplace hazards.
Hydrate before you start working
Workers should drink a minimum of 16 ounces of liquid prior to starting work. Never wait until you are thirsty to start consuming fluids. When participating in an activity in a hot environment, an additional 8 ounces should be drunk every 20-30 minutes.
Take on electrolytes
Sports drinks such as Gatorade replace salts and minerals lost from sweat. An additional benefit of flavored drinks is that they don’t quench your thirst as quickly as plain water. This causes you to drink more, making it easier to consume the volume required to stay hydrated.
More frequent breaks
Working in a hot environment requires more rest periods than normal. Adjust the break schedule accordingly for projects that involve fast-paced work, heavy lifting or excessive exertion. Take breaks in shaded or cool areas.
Train employees
Encourage workers to alert a supervisor and take a break when experiencing one or more of the following warning signs of heat exhaustion:
- Confusion
- Dizziness or fainting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Cramping
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Dark urine
- Abundant sweating
- Increased heartbeat
Focus on air circulation
Fans, air conditioning and proper ventilation are key to keeping the work area safe. Even something as simple as opening a door and window can improve air flow through cross-ventilation.
Wear proper clothing
Hats should never be worn indoors as they prevent heat loss from the head. When working outdoors, wear light, mesh hats with a broad sun shade around the full circumference.
Light, synthetic clothing allows for better breathability which increases the effectiveness of your body to cool itself through sweating. Cotton clothing traps sweat and forces your body to retain heat.
In cases where a hard hat is required for safety, drink additional water and increase break frequency to compensate for the addition heat that is trapped in the body.
Acclimate slowly to the heat
New employees or staff not generally used to working in a hot environment should be acclimated over the course of 5 to 7 days. Begin with just 1 or 2 hours depending on the severity of the heat and add 20% per day.
What to do if heat exhaustion strikes
For minor to moderate symptoms, remove yourself from the heat and take off any unnecessary or restrictive clothing. Slowly drink 1 liter of water and lie with your feet up next to a fan for additional cooling. If the symptoms do not subside in 30 minutes you may require medical assistance.
Note that heat stroke is a medical emergency that can be fatal. Decrease body temperature by any means necessary, including ice packs on the head, neck, armpits and groin. Remove clothing and cover the body in wet sheets. Relocate to an air-conditioned room as soon as possible and get medical help immediately.
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