Protection at work in hot environments and heatwaves
High temperatures combined with physical exertion present a major risk to employees. As the mercury rises, businesses need to consider the safety, health and well-being of their employees, especially when it comes to preventing heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, overheating and heat exhaustion.
Find out essential tips on how to prevent heat illness and discover the first aid measures companies can introduce to protect their staff.
Basic tips for the summer
What is overheating of the body?
We become overheated when our body’s ability to cool itself is diminished. This results in various heat-related illnesses such as overheating, exhaustion heat cramps and heatstroke, which have implications for employees’ health and safety.
The risk is exacerbated by the following factors:
- high temperatures,
- the level of humidity,
- physical activity,
- the human factor (e.g., not drinking properly),
- working indoors/outdoors, etc.
In sectors such as construction, agriculture, manufacturing and outdoor services, workers are particularly susceptible to overheating and heat-related illness because of the nature of the work they do.
Signs and symptoms of overheating
Early indicators include:
- excessive perspiration
- tiredness
- dizziness
- nausea
If you fail to respond to heat exhaustion, it can turn into heatstroke, which is a life-threatening condition. By spotting the signs in good time, companies can take immediate action to protect their employees.
You can find out more about how to deal with heat illness at the end of this article.
OHS regulations and guidelines
Occupational health and safety regulations and guidelines relating to heat protection often specify permissible exposure limits for heat stress and the measures recommended at different temperature ranges.
General recommendations
1. Increase the workload gradually. Give employees time to adjust to working in warmer temperatures, especially new hires or those returning from extended absences. The acclimatisation process lowers the risk of heat-related illnesses.
2. If employees have scheduled work and rest periods, it is easier for them to plan their breaks, rehydrate, and cool down, making heat-related illnesses less likely to occur. Offer them cool or shaded areas where they can relax during breaks.
3. The use of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate the risks of heat stress will increase employees’ comfort and boost their productivity. Supply employees with breathable and lightweight workwear that provides protection while helping to dissipate heat or sweat.
4. Staff training on the risks of heat illness will ensure that employees and supervisors:
- are aware of the risks of working in the heat,
- are quicker at recognising the signs and symptoms of overheating and heatstroke,
- and more readily accept the precautions and first aid procedures that need to be followed.
Many companies have their own specific guidelines for protecting employees who work in the heat. For example, they provide shaded rest areas, use cooling technologies (such as fans and misting systems) and regularly monitor temperature and humidity levels.
Introduce preventive measures
There are several preventive measures companies can introduce to avoid heat illness:
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Adequate hydration: Encourage employees to drink water at regular intervals and ensure that they have easy access to fluids throughout the workplace.
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Rest breaks: Schedule frequent breaks in cool or shaded areas where employees can rest and cool down.
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Protective clothing: Encourage the use of lightweight, breathable fabrics and suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to minimise heat retention.
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Technical checks: Ensure that there are ventilation systems and shading in areas where employees work and/or rest.
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Training: Regular courses and comprehensive training programmes will increase employee and supervisor awareness of heat stress prevention and ensure that they can spot the signs and respond appropriately.
Our tip: Monitor and assess
the effectiveness of preventive measures in the workplace on a regular basis. Collect feedback from employees, conduct risk assessments, and make the adjustments necessary to improve safety and mitigate the risks of heat illness.
First aid when the body overheats
In a heat-related emergency, immediate action is vital. Set clear emergency response protocols, including steps that need to be taken when someone experiences heat illness. These steps may include:
- moving the individual to a cooler area,
- providing fluids,
- seeking medical attention.
Staff training in first aid and emergency response can be a big help in mitigating the effects and reducing cases of overheating and heatstroke.
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