As temperatures climb each summer, thousands of workers across industries including agriculture, construction, utilities, and oil & gas face serious health risks due to extreme heat exposure. Prolonged heat stress can result in cramps, dehydration, heat exhaustion and in the most severe cases, heat stroke. Tragically, many workers fall seriously ill simply because they weren’t adequately protected from the heat.
Understanding the risk factors is critically important in heat exposure prevention. Several conditions can drastically increase the likelihood of heat-related illnesses including high temperatures and humidity, especially with direct sun and little air movement. Physically demanding work performed over long periods, lack of acclimatization to hot environments, insufficient water intake leading to rapid dehydration, wearing non-breathable or waterproof clothing that can prevent heat dissipation.
Knowing the warning signs is critical to recognize the early symptoms of heat-related illnesses so action can be taken before conditions worsen.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion:
- Headache, dizziness, or fainting.
- Weakness and heavy sweating irritability or confusion.
- Nausea, vomiting, or intense thirst.
- Signs of Heat Stroke (This Is a Medical Emergency).
- Disorientation, confusion, or inability to think clearly.
- Seizures or unconsciousness.
- Hot, dry skin with little or no sweating.
If you suspect heat stroke, call emergency services immediately.
Preventing Heat Illness is a shared responsibility between employers and workers who must work together to create a safe environment during extreme heat.
Some things employers can do to prevent dangerous heat exposure:
- Develop and enforce a heat illness prevention program.
- Train employees to identify heat stress symptoms and know what actions to take.
- Ensure access to cool drinking water (at least one pint per hour per worker).
- Schedule regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
- Modify work hours or intensity during the hottest parts of the day.
Protecting your workforce from heat-related illness is essential. Prioritizing heat safety saves lives and keeps your team healthy, productive, and prepared for anything the summer brings.
Be prepared with the Chill Hero Heat Illness Prevention Kit. Contact Spill Hero to find out how you can get one today.
