The Growing Heat Challenge
Heat illness is a serious workplace hazard that's becoming increasingly common. There were 36 work-related deaths due to environmental heat exposure in 2021, and about 2,300 people in the United States died in the summer of 2023, with the cause of death being excessive heat, the highest in 45 years of records.
Workers in construction, landscaping, utilities, postal service, cooking, firefighting, and oil and gas operations face the highest risk, especially when working in hot environments with limited ventilation or air conditioning.
Understanding Heat Illness: Know the Warning Signs
Heat illness encompasses a range of conditions that occur when the body cannot cool itself effectively. Here's what every employer and worker needs to know:
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Condition
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Symptoms
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Response
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Heat Rash
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- Red clusters of small blisters or pimples, typically on the neck, upper chest, groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.
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- Keep the affected area dry
- Use powder to increase comfort
- Avoid further exposure to heat
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Heat Cramps
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- Muscle spasms or pain in the arms, legs, or abdomen.
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- Stop all activity and rest in a cool, ventilated place
- Drink plenty of fluids to rehydrate
- Do not resume strenuous activity until after the cramps disappear
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Heat Exhaustion
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- Heavy sweating
- Weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness or confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Increased thirst
- Increased irritability
- Moist or clammy skin
- Pale or flushed complexion
- Muscle cramps
- Fast and shallow breathing
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- Move to a cooler environment.
- Lie down and loosen any tight clothing
- Apply cool, wet cloth to as much of the body as possible.
- Sip water slowly
- Seek medical attention if the symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour
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Heat Stroke
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- Body temperature above 103°F
- Hot, damp, red, or dry skin
- Rapid pulse or heart rate
- Possible unconsciousness
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
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- Call 911 immediately
- Transfer the person to a cooler environment with proper ventilation
- Lower body temperature using a cool bath or towel
- If the worker is unconscious, avoid giving them anything to drink
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Muscle Breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
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- Muscle pain
- Dark urine
- Reduced urination frequency
- Weakness
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- Call 911 immediately, as heat stroke is a medical emergency
- Move the person to a cooler environment
- Reduce body temperature with a wet towel or a cool bath
- Avoid giving an unconscious worker anything to drink
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Industry-Specific Heat Safety Tips
Construction
- Schedule heavy work before 10am and after 4pm.
- Create mobile shade with pop-up canopies or truck-mounted umbrellas.
- Rotate crews during peak heat hours.
Agriculture
- Use early morning harvesting schedules.
- Provide cooling stations near fields.
- Consider heat-resistant crop varieties and adjust planting schedules.
Landscaping
- Plan route efficiency to minimize midday exposure.
- Carry portable shade and cooling towels.
- Use reflective clothing when possible.
Warehousing/Manufacturing
- Increase ventilation and air circulation.
- Install fans and cooling systems.
- Schedule breaks in air-conditioned areas.
Postal/Delivery
- Plan routes to include shaded parking spots.
- Use insulated vehicles when possible.
- Schedule indoor tasks during peak heat hours.
First Aid Essentials
When heat illness strikes, quick action saves lives:
Immediate Steps:
- Move to cooler area - shaded or air-conditioned space
- Cool immediately using:
- Cold water immersion or ice bath
- Remove outer clothing and heavy protective gear
- Apply ice or cold, wet towels to head, neck, trunk, armpits, and groin
- Use fans to circulate air
- Stay with the worker - conditions can worsen rapidly
- Call 911 if there's confusion, slurred speech, or unconsciousness
Get Expert Help
Don't navigate heat illness prevention alone. SafeDE offers free, confidential consultations to help Delaware employers create effective heat illness prevention programs tailored to their specific operations.
Ready to protect your team from heat illness? Contact SafeDE today for your complimentary safety consultation. No citations, no penalties, just expert guidance to keep your workers safe and productive.