Summer Safety at Work: How to Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses

Ahh, summer. We all love the warmer temperatures and longer days that allow us to spend more time outdoors. Whether you’re grilling burgers, taking a swim, or just relaxing in the shade with your favorite beverage, summer is a great season. However, for those folks who work outside or in facilities that are not air-conditioned, this time of the year can be downright dangerous. In fact, heat-related illness is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., and approximately 34,000 workers suffer heat-related illnesses each year.

Don’t Take the Heat

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2024 was the warmest year on record, with hotter-than-average temperatures across the U.S. While working in the heat has always been dangerous for workers, rising temperatures are causing an increase in heat-related illnesses. As a result, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed new standards for heat injury and illness prevention. You can read this proposal at https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/heat-rulemaking-factsheet.pdf.

People with asthma or COPD are especially susceptible to heat-related illnesses, as hot, humid air can exacerbate these conditions. However, even people in good health and are considered fit can suffer from heat-related illnesses, without proper precautions. Keeping the body from over-heating is the key to preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you work outside:

  • Ease into working in the heat – nearly 3 out of 4 fatalities from heat illness happen during the first week of work. It takes time to acclimate to the heat. Build tolerance by following the 20% rule, if possible. On the first day, work no more than 20% of the shift at full intensity in the heat. Increase the time at full intensity by no more than 20% a day.
  • Take frequent breaks to rest, cool off and drink water.
  • Carry a water bottle and drink and refill it throughout the day.
  • Try to limit beverages that are high in sugar and salt, and caffeine, which can cause dehydration.
  • Stay in the shade as much as possible.
  • Dress for the heat – wear a hat and light-colored clothing that is loose and breathable.
  • Monitor yourself and your co-workers for signs of heat illness (see below).

If you work indoors in a hot environment, you can:

  • Use fans to provide air circulation and cool things off. (Note: Only use fans if indoor temperatures are less than 90 degrees. In temperatures above 90 degrees, a fan can increase your body temperature.)
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of cool water throughout the day.
  • Take frequent breaks to rest and rehydrate.

Know the Symptoms

Heat-related illnesses occur when the body gets too hot and cannot cool itself down. If your body temperature rises too quickly and gets too high, it begins to “malfunction” as blood rushes to the skin surface and away from the brain and other organs. Symptoms of heat-related illness include:

  • Muscle cramping or spasms (often the first sign of heat illness)
  • Unusually heavy sweating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Weakness
  • Nausea

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should move to the shade or a cooler area, drink water, remove unnecessary clothing, cool off with water, ice or a fan.

If a co-worker experiences abnormal thinking or behavior, slurred speech, seizures or loss of consciousness due to the heat, call 911 immediately! Try cooling down the worker with water or ice, and stay with him or her until help arrives.

Watch out for Injuries

In addition to heat-related illnesses, hot temperatures can also cause physical injuries, such as accidents caused by sweaty palms or fogged up safety glasses. Dizziness or weakness may also lead to slips and falls, and accidents that involve machinery and result in injury.

Keep Your Cool

Remember, extreme heat can affect anyone, even those who are used to working in hot conditions. If you’re a worker, don’t try to “tough it out” and ignore signs of heat stress. If you’re an employer, it’s important to conduct proper training, allow frequent breaks, provide “cooling centers,” and monitor workers. It’s also a good idea to keep track of the daily heat index for your area, so you can take proper precautions, or in extreme cases, stop work.

If you or a loved one suffer from a serious heat-related illness or injury on the job, it may be covered by workers’ compensation. Unfortunately, filing a claim can be complicated and confusing, and many workers do not receive the compensation they deserve. The Disability Guys are here to help! Our experienced attorneys can answer your questions and help you through the entire process. Call for a free consultation at 866-205-2415.

Stay safe and keep your cool!