Staying Cool in the Summer Heat: Safety Tips for Outdoor Workers

As we head into those hot, humid, hazy days of summer, it's critical for those who work outdoors to know the warning signs of heat stress and how to prevent it. See these tips from OSHA to learn the risks and warning signs of heat stress and how to protect against it:

Risk Factors for Heat Illness
• High temperature and humidity, direct sun exposure, no breeze or wind
• Low liquid intake
• Heavy physical labor
• Waterproof clothing
• No recent exposure to hot workplaces

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
• Headache, dizziness, or fainting
• Weakness and wet skin
• Irritability or confusion
• Thirst, nausea, or vomiting

Symptoms of Heat Stroke
• May be confused, unable to think clearly, pass out, collapse, or have seizures (fits)
• May stop sweating

To Prevent Heat Illness:
• Establish a complete heat illness prevention program.
• Provide training about the hazards leading to heat stress and how to prevent them.
• Provide a lot of cool water to workers close to the work area. At least one pint of water per hour is needed.
• Modify work schedules and arrange frequent rest periods with water breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
• Gradually increase workloads and allow
more frequent breaks for workers new
to the heat or those that have been away from work to adapt to working in the heat (acclimatization).
• Routinely check workers who are at risk of heat stress due to protective clothing and high temperature.
• Consider protective clothing that provides cooling.

How You Can Protect Yourself and Others
• Know signs/symptoms of heat illnesses; monitor yourself; use a buddy system.
• Block out direct sun and other heat sources.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Drink often and BEFORE you are thirsty. Drink water every 15 minutes.
• Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
• Wear lightweight, light colored, loose- fitting clothes.
What to Do When a Worker is Ill from the Heat
• Call a supervisor for help. If the supervisor is not available, call 911.
• Have someone stay with the worker until help arrives.
• Move the worker to a cooler/shaded area.
• Remove outer clothing.
• Fan and mist the worker with water; apply ice

(ice bags or ice towels).
• Provide cool drinking water, if able to drink.
IF THE WORKER IS NOT ALERT or seems confused, this may be a heat stroke. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY and apply ice as soon as possible.

For more information see OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/