Beat the Heat: Summer Workplace Safety

The following article was provided by PTSMC. It is posted here with permission.  

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Each summer brings a fresh set of challenges for workplaces where employees are exposed to high temperatures whether outdoors under the sun or indoors without climate control.

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Fortunately, many of these risks are preventable with awareness, preparation, and a shared commitment to safety. 

Why Heat Safety is So Important 

Heat-related illnesses range from mild to severe, and they can escalate quickly.

Employees in construction, landscaping, delivery services, agriculture, manufacturing, and warehouse operations are especially vulnerable. 

Common heat-related conditions include: 

• Heat Exhaustion: This early-stage condition can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, and profuse sweating. If left untreated, it can escalate into heat stroke. 

• Heat Stroke: A medical emergency characterized by confusion, rapid heartbeat, and a body temperature over 104°F. It can be fatal if not addressed immediately. 

• Heat Cramps: Painful muscle cramps that often occur during or after physical activity, especially when workers are dehydrated. 

• Heat Rash: Skin irritation from excessive sweating, common under tight clothing or protective gear. 

What Employers Can Do 

Protecting workers from heat-related risks is not only the right thing to do, it’s also a requirement.

Fortunately, effective heat safety strategies can be straightforward and easy to implement. 

1. Prioritize Scheduling

Shift the most physically demanding tasks to earlier or later in the day when temperatures are cooler.

Rotating staff or using team-based approaches can reduce prolonged exposure. 

2. Ensure Access to Water and Shade 

Provide cool water in convenient locations and make sure workers take water breaks multiple times an hour, especially during peak heat.

Use tents, shade structures, or air-conditioned break rooms whenever possible. 

Provide cool water in convenient locations and make sure workers take water breaks multiple times an hour, especially during peak heat.

3. Train and Educate 

Supervisors and employees should be trained to recognize the signs of heat stress and understand how to respond.

This includes calling for medical help, moving the affected person to a cooler area, and providing fluids. 

4. Encourage Reporting 

Create a culture where employees feel comfortable speaking up if they or a coworker aren’t feeling well. 

What Employees Can Do 

Employees also need to be proactive in protecting themselves and their teammates: 

• Hydrate Often: Drink small amounts of water every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you’re not thirsty.  

• Wear Proper Clothing: Lightweight, breathable, and light-colored clothing helps the body stay cooler. If PPE is required, take breaks more frequently to compensate. 

• Take Breaks: Rest regularly in a shaded or cool area, especially when performing physical tasks. 

• Watch for Warning Signs: Be alert to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, or nausea. Act fast if you or a coworker shows signs of distress. 

Safety is a Shared Responsibility 

Heat-related illnesses are preventable but only if everyone works together.

Employers who invest in proper precautions and employees who stay vigilant help create a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace during the summer months. 

By making heat safety part of your everyday routine, you’re not only protecting your team; you’re reinforcing a culture of care and safety that lasts all year long. 

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About the author: Shelby Pocius is an employer services specialist at Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Centers. She is trained to partner with local businesses to assess what employers and employees can do to decrease workplace injuries.