Working in hot conditions can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Learn how to prevent heat stress, recognize the warning signs early, and know when to get urgent help.
Hot weather, hot machinery and heavy physical work can push the body past its ability to cool itself. Heat stress can develop quickly and affects both outdoor workers and people in hot indoor workplaces such as kitchens, foundries and warehouses.
Prevent Heat Stress Before It Starts
- Drink water regularly in small amounts, before you feel thirsty.
- Take breaks in shade or a cool area and schedule heavy tasks for cooler hours.
- Wear light, loose, breathable clothing and a hat when working in the sun.
- Build up gradually when new workers or returning workers start in hot conditions.
Recognize the Early Warning Signs
- Heavy sweating, thirst and tiredness
- Headache, dizziness or nausea
- Muscle cramps and a fast pulse.
Act Quickly If Someone Feels Unwell
- Stop work and move to a cool place.
- Loosen tight clothing and cool the skin with a damp cloth or fan.
- Give small sips of water only if the person is fully alert.
- Tell a supervisor and do not let the person go back to work until they have recovered.
Get Urgent Medical Help for Severe Signs
Confusion, fainting, very hot dry skin, a seizure or a collapse are signs of heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Call for emergency help immediately and keep cooling the person until help arrives. Keep your local emergency contact information readily available.
Look Out for Each Other
People often do not notice their own symptoms. Use a buddy system in hot work, check on each other regularly, and treat early signs as a reason to stop and cool down.