Heat Illness Prevention

Preventing heat illness:

Planning ahead

  • If possible, plan your work indoors or in the shade so lessen time in the heat.
  • Start work earlier and get done before peak hours.
  • Take a cool down rest period for 10 minutes every 2 hours in shade or air conditioning.
  • Hydrate! It is suggested that you drink 32 ounces of water every hour when there is prolonged exposure to heat.
  • Water is the best solution for protecting against heat exposure.
  • Use electrolytes to aid in hydration and recovery.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol prior to, during, and after exposure to heat. 
  • Wear light, loose fitting garments that cover your skin. Clothing that reflects the sun and breathes easily will help keep your body cool.
  • Wear sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

Know the signs of heat stress: 

Image Contains a split view of Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke. Heat Exhaustion Signs: Dizziness, Thirst, Heavy Sweating, Nausea, Weakness (Heat Exhaustion can lead to heat stroke). Sub box Act Fast: Move to a cooler area, Loosen clothing, sip cool water, seek medical help if symptoms don't improve. Heat Stroke Signs: Confusion, Dizziness, Becoming Unconscious (Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given). Sub box Act Fast: Call 911, Move person to a cooler area, loosen clothing and remove extra layers, cool with water or ice

  • Heat Exhaustion: Heat Exhaustion signs and symptoms are headache, nausea, vertigo, weakness, thirst, and giddiness. Heat Stroke, fainting, or loss of consciousness is possible if not treated promptly. promptly. Workers should rest in shade or indoors and given fluid replacement. They should get adequate rest and ice packs should be applied.
  • Heat Cramps: Caused by performing hard physical labor in a hot environment, lack of water and electrolyte imbalances. Drinking carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement liquids aid in recovery.
  • Heat Rash: are the most common problem in hot work environments where the skin is persistently wetted by unevaporated sweat. Heat rashes will disappear when the affected individual returns to a cool environment.

If a person is showing signs of heat stress, have them sit in a cool place and have them slowly drink cool water in small amounts. Apply cool, moist towels or ice packs. If conditions worsen, seek medical attention.
If you, or someone around you are showing signs of heat stress, contact your supervisor.

Additional Resources