It is mid-summer in the Southeast and no surprise to anyone it is hot. Last week was hot, this week will be hot, and I’ll almost bet next week will be hot as well. The graphic to the right shows the heat index is expected to be 95° – 105° for the week of July 6th. Please take the time to remind employees about the importance of heat safety.
Heat illness is a serious occupational hazard that can affect employees who work outdoors or in hot indoor environments. High temperatures, humidity, physical exertion, and inadequate hydration can overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. Heat-related illnesses can reduce productivity, cause serious health complications, and may even be fatal if not recognized and treated promptly.
Employers and workers share responsibility for preventing heat-related illnesses. Through training and providing resources employees can be protected from heat-related illnesses
Employers Should:
- Provide cool drinking water that is easily accessible.
- Schedule physically demanding tasks during cooler parts of the day whenever possible.
- Ensure regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
- Train employees and supervisors to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness.
- Develop emergency procedures for responding to heat-related emergencies.
- Allow new and returning workers time to gradually adjust to hot working conditions.
Workers Should:
- Drink water frequently, even if they are not thirsty.
- Wear lightweight, breathable clothing whenever job duties allow.
- Use cooling towels, hats, and other protective equipment as appropriate.
- Take scheduled rest breaks.
- Report symptoms of heat illness immediately.
- Watch for signs of heat stress in coworkers and encourage them to seek help if needed.
Common Types of Heat Illness
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms caused by the loss of water and salts through excessive sweating. They commonly affect the legs, arms, or abdomen during or after strenuous work.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion develops when the body loses excessive fluids and electrolytes. Common symptoms include:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cool, pale, clammy skin
- Rapid heartbeat
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency. Warning signs include:
- Body temperature above 104°F (40°C)
- Confusion or unusual behavior
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Hot skin (with or without sweating)
Call emergency medical services immediately if heat stroke is suspected.
First Aid
For Heat Exhaustion
- Move the affected worker to a cool or shaded area.
- Loosen or remove unnecessary clothing.
- Provide cool drinking water if the person is fully alert.
- Apply cool, wet cloths or use fans to lower body temperature.
- Seek medical evaluation if symptoms persist or worsen.
For Heat Stroke
- Call emergency medical services immediately.
- Move the person to a cool location.
- Begin rapid cooling using cold water, ice packs, or cool wet towels while waiting for emergency responders.
- Do not give fluids to someone who is unconscious or confused.
Key Safety Reminders
- Hydrate before, during, and after work.
- Take breaks in cool areas.
- Wear appropriate clothing for hot conditions.
- Never ignore early signs of heat illness.
- Look out for coworkers and report concerns immediately.
- Know the workplace emergency response procedures.
Heat illness is preventable when proper precautions are followed. By staying hydrated, recognizing early warning signs, taking regular breaks, and responding quickly to symptoms, employers and employees can work together to create a safer workplace. A strong culture of heat safety helps protect workers’ health, reduces injuries, and ensures everyone returns home safely at the end of the workday.
OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Campaign: https://www.osha.gov/heat
OSHA Heat illness Prevention Training Guide: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/osha_heattraining_guide_0411.pdf
OSHA Heat-exposure: https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure
OSHA Fact Sheet: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/3431_WKSITEPOSTER_EN.pdf
OSHA posters: https://www.osha.gov/publications/bytopic/heat-illness-prevention
OSHA Heat Safety Tool: https://heat.gov/tools-resources/heat-safety-tool-app-occupational-safety-and-health-administration-osha-niosh/