Heat Stress — Prevention and Response
Overview
Heat stress occurs when the body cannot cool itself sufficiently, leading to dangerous increases in core body temperature. Working in hot environments, wearing protective equipment, or performing strenuous tasks increases the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Why This Is Important
Heat-related illnesses cause approximately 40 workplace deaths annually and thousands of emergency room visits. Heat stress can progress rapidly from mild discomfort to life-threatening heat stroke, making early recognition and prevention crucial for worker safety.
Even experienced workers can be affected by heat stress, especially during hot weather, when starting new jobs, or when returning to work after time off. Heat acclimatization takes 7-14 days, and fitness level doesn’t guarantee protection.
Best Practices & Safety Tips
Hydrate Frequently
Drink water every 15-20 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty. Sports drinks help replace electrolytes during prolonged sweating.
Take Regular Breaks
Rest in shade or air conditioning for 5-10 minutes every hour. Increase break frequency during extreme heat or heavy work.
Use Buddy System
Work in pairs to monitor each other for signs of heat stress. Heat affects judgment, making self-assessment unreliable.
Schedule Wisely
Perform heaviest work during cooler morning hours. Reschedule non-essential tasks when heat index exceeds safe limits.
Allow Acclimatization
New workers need 7-14 days to adjust to hot conditions. Start with shorter exposures and gradually increase work duration.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that allows sweat evaporation. Use cooling vests when necessary.
Heat Illness Recognition
Heat Rash
Red, itchy rash from blocked sweat ducts. Cool, dry skin and avoid further heat exposure.
Heat Cramps
Painful muscle cramps from electrolyte loss. Rest in cool area, drink fluids, and gently stretch affected muscles.
Heat Exhaustion
Heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, headache. Move to cool area, apply cool water, drink fluids, seek medical attention.
Heat Stroke
High temperature, altered mental state, hot/dry skin. MEDICAL EMERGENCY - call 911 immediately, cool aggressively.
Emergency Response Procedures
- Immediate Cooling - Move victim to cool area, remove excess clothing, apply cool water or ice packs
- Call for Help - Contact emergency services for heat stroke or severe heat exhaustion
- Monitor Vital Signs - Check consciousness, breathing, and pulse while waiting for medical help
- Continue Cooling - Keep applying cooling measures until medical professionals arrive
Discussion Questions
- What work areas or activities in our operation pose the highest heat stress risk?
- How can we better support workers who are new to hot weather work?
- Have you experienced heat stress symptoms, and how did you respond?
- What additional heat stress prevention measures could we implement?
- Do we all know the emergency procedures if someone shows signs of heat stroke?
Action Items
- Identify high-risk work areas and times for heat stress
- Ensure adequate cooling areas and hydration stations are available
- Review emergency response procedures for heat-related illnesses
- Implement acclimatization programs for new workers
Related Safety Topics
Takeaway: Heat stress is a serious and potentially fatal workplace hazard that’s entirely preventable with proper precautions. Stay hydrated, take breaks, monitor yourself and coworkers, and never ignore early warning signs. Remember that heat illness can develop quickly - prevention is always better than treatment.