Excessive Heat and Your Business

During the summer, workers may perform more job tasks outdoors. This exposure to high temperatures and humidity can lead to life-threatening heat related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Protect your employees by following these suggestions.

Before Excessive Heat Situations

• Stay informed.
  • Monitor for heat advisories in your area at the NOAA National Weather Service. http://www.weather.gov/
  • Listen to local news and weather channels during extreme heat conditions for health and safety updates.
• Know the terminology.
  • Excessive Heat Advisory: An excessive heat event is occurring; prolonged exposure or strenuous activity might result in a heat-related illness.
  • Excessive Heat Warning: Life-threatening heat is occurring. Take precautions immediately!
• Discuss heat precautions with your employees.
  • Limit or avoid activity during the day.
  • Keep hydrated; drinking at least every 15 minutes.
  • Wear wide-brimmed hats for protection from the sun.
  • Wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
  • Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
  • Train employees to recognize the signs of heat illness.
• Establish shade or cooling areas for your employees.
  • Set up awnings or canopies, if natural shade is not available.
• Prepare for power outages.
  • High summertime temperatures increase energy demand for cooling; overloaded energy systems can result in power outages.
  • For more information see the Power Outage handouts in this manual.
• Prepare your facilities.
  • Maintain your air conditioning system to ensure it is able to work when you need it most.
  • Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
  • Window air conditioners should be installed snugly and insulated, if necessary.
  • Weather-strip doors and windows to keep cool air in.
  • Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers.
  • Use electric or ceiling fans to improve ventilation and comfort.

During Excessive Heat

• If employees work outdoors,
  • Schedule work during the morning and late-afternoon hours.
  • Avoid strenuous activities outdoors, especially mid-day.
  • Adjust work schedules to provide workers with breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned area.
  • Postpone nonessential tasks.
  • Make sure employees drink plenty of water, frequently.

Heat-Related Illnesses

• Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation!
  • Occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature and the body is unable to cool itself.
  • Signs:
    • extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
    • red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
    • rapid, strong pulse
    • throbbing headache
    • dizziness
    • nausea
    • confusion
    • unconsciousness
  • If you see any of these signs, get medical assistance immediately!
• Heat exhaustion.
  • A milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.
  • Signs:
    • cool, moist, pale or flushed skin
    • heavy sweating
    • headache
    • nausea
    • dizziness
    • weakness
  • Cool the victim by: providing cool, nonalcoholic beverages
    • rest in a cool or air-conditioned environment
    • cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
  • If the person vomits or begins to lose consciousness, get medical assistance immediately!
• Heat cramps.
  • Muscle pains or spasms (usually in the legs or abdomen) that occur in association with loss of fluids and electrolytes following strenuous activity.
  • Often an early sign the body is having trouble with heat.
• Sunburn.
  • Damage to the skin that significantly slows the skin’s ability to release heat.
  • Usually minor discomfort that heals in a week.
  • Severe sunburn may require medical attention.
• Heat rash.
  • Skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.