As temperatures rise and the days get longer, combatting the heat is an increasingly crucial part of workplace safety across the US. When a person is exposed to high temperatures and humidity, they may develop a heat illness.
Usually, your body creates sweat to cool itself down. But if temperatures and humidity levels are high, sweating alone may not be enough. When that’s true, bodily processes can become disrupted, causing sometimes severe health consequences.
Those who exercise or work in high-heat and humid environments are especially at risk, including, but not limited to:
There are four main types of heat illnesses that workers tend to experience:
Keep yourself and others safe from high temperatures with these essential tips.
Management and supervisors have the important responsibility of ensuring that the workplace is set up to give employees what they need to avoid overheating. Achieving this is a multi-faceted effort that requires a commitment to things like:
In addition to training employees on the heat safety procedures that apply to your workplace, make sure you’ve educated your teams on their rights and responsibilities.
As an employee who may be faced with extreme heat at work, a person has the right to:
A good rule of thumb for hydration on the job is to drink one cup of cool water every 20 minutes. Stick to this rule even if you don’t feel thirsty.
If you’re a supervisor or manager, make it easy for your employees to take water breaks regularly with coolers, water fountains, water bottle refill stations, etc.
For longer or more intense jobs, it’s a good idea to make drinks with electrolytes accessible. Avoid energy drinks or alcohol during this period, too.
It’s important to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) even when temperatures are high, but it’s also key to dress for the heat. Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing (when appropriate) is ideal, as is wearing a hat and lighter colors.
If you’re wearing a face covering, make sure to change it if it becomes wet or soiled.
Take regular breaks in shady areas or cooler locations to avoid letting body temperatures rise to dangerous levels. If shade becomes unavailable, promptly notify a supervisor.
Verbally check on others around you often and monitor your group for signs of heat illness. If you experience symptoms or notice them in someone else, report your concerns to a supervisor.
Some workers will naturally handle bodily stress caused by heat differently than others. There are many potential causes of heat intolerance, including personal risk factors like:
Consider your risk level or those of your employees to identify areas of need. Some employees may need work assignments that require less time in the heat, for instance, or more frequent breaks.
If you notice one or more classic signs of heat illness in yourself or someone else, notify a supervisor as soon as possible. Common symptoms to look for include:
Some symptoms are signs of a medical emergency. If any of the following occur, call 911 immediately:
After calling for help, move the worker to a cool area or cool them down with water or ice. Stay with them until first responders arrive.
Even if it’s not an emergency, you should still work quickly to help yourself or someone you spot experiencing symptoms like those above. Here are some first-aid action steps you can take:
It’s important to never underestimate how quickly a hot day can become dangerous, particularly if you work in an industry where physical labor is commonplace.
Do your part to protect yourself and others you work with from heat illness by staying hydrated, taking regular breaks, dressing appropriately, and brushing up on your knowledge.
When everyone works together to identify and avoid signs of heat-related conditions, the odds of workplace injuries or illnesses can decrease significantly.