As temperatures rise, so do the risks for those working in high-heat environments. Whether it’s construction crews on sun-scorched job sites, manufacturing teams in non-climate-controlled facilities, or EHS professionals overseeing operations, the heat is more than an inconvenience, it’s a serious safety hazard.
Heat-related illnesses can escalate quickly. From heat exhaustion to heat stroke, the consequences can be severe—even fatal—if not addressed swiftly. OSHA reports that thousands of workers become ill from occupational heat exposure each year, with dozens of fatalities. Yet, nearly all of these incidents are preventable with the right planning, policies, and proactive oversight.
Here’s how safety leaders can get ahead of the heat and protect your teams:
Every job site or facility that exposes workers to extreme heat should have a documented heat illness prevention plan. This includes clear protocols for acclimatization, hydration, rest breaks, and emergency response. Ensure that supervisors and crews are trained to recognize the signs of heat stress and empowered to act fast when symptoms appear.
Workers should have easy, consistent access to cool drinking water—not just at the start of the shift. Encourage frequent hydration by placing water stations near work areas and reminding crews to drink before they feel thirsty. In some high-heat roles, electrolyte replacement may also be necessary.
I’ve performed countless safety walk-throughs in high-heat environments. One of the most critical things I evaluate is the availability and accessibility of hydration stations. Make sure stations are well-stocked and give workers plenty of water and electrolyte drinks. Pedialyte can be a real game changer!
When possible, adjust work hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Early morning or evening shifts can reduce exposure to peak heat. If rescheduling isn’t feasible, rotate job tasks to limit continuous heat exposure, especially for new or returning workers who are still acclimating.
Provide appropriate PPE designed for hot environments—breathable fabrics, cooling vests, and lighter-colored materials can make a big difference. Educate workers on how to dress appropriately and modify uniform requirements where possible to prioritize safety over tradition.
Use heat index monitoring tools to assess risk in real time. Many companies now utilize wearable tech or mobile apps to track environmental conditions and worker exposure. But technology only goes so far—active supervision and peer awareness are critical.
Train your team to recognize early signs of heat exhaustion, which can include:
If a worker shows any of these symptoms, move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area, provide cool water, and call for medical help if symptoms worsen or don’t improve.
Quick action can make the difference between recovery and a medical emergency.
Frontline supervisors are your first line of defense. Train them not only on the signs and symptoms of heat stress, but also how to reinforce rest/hydration breaks, adjust work pacing, and respond to emergencies. Heat safety must be managed as seriously as any other hazard on the job.
Additionally, don’t overlook your supervisors themselves. They’re often focused on keeping others safe and may push through the heat without adequate rest or hydration. Make it clear that safety applies to everyone—including leadership—and ensure they’re equipped and encouraged to protect their own well-being, too.
High-heat environments are part of the job in many industries, but heat illness doesn’t have to be. With the right systems, culture, and commitment, safety leaders can prevent heat-related injuries and keep crews performing safely all summer long.
Is your team ready to beat the heat? Now is the time to reassess your prevention strategies and reinforce them from the top down. Your workforce—and your bottom line—depend on it.
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