How to Manage Heat Stress in the Workplace

As summer begins and temperatures start to rise, it's important for business owners to be aware of the dangers of heat stress in the workplace. Heat stress can lead to a range of symptoms, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even death.

By implementing some simple policies and procedures, businesses can protect their employees from the dangers of working in hot conditions and ensure a safe and productive work environment.

What is Heat Stress?

Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to regulate its internal temperature. This can be caused by high temperatures, humidity, or physical exertion. When the body is unable to cool itself properly, it starts to shut down.

Symptoms of heat stress include dizziness, nausea, headache, blurred vision, and fainting. In severe cases, heat stress can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or even death.

How to Prevent Heat Stress in the Workplace

There are a few simple steps that businesses can take to prevent heat stress in the workplace:

• Have effective policies and procedures in place to deal with hot conditions at work
• Provide workers with breaks in a cool area (preferably air-conditioned) every 20 minutes or so.
• Encourage employees to drink plenty of fluids (water is best) throughout the day.
• Make sure employees are wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.
• Monitor employees for signs of heat stress and provide first aid as necessary.

By taking some simple precautions, businesses can protect their employees from the dangers of heat stress. Check out our heat stress-related documents and keep your employees safe this summer:

• Working in Heat Safe Work Method Statement
• Hot Conditions Safety Policy
• Hot Conditions Risk Assessment Form

Author - Craig Cruickshank is the HSEQ Manager and Senior Technical Advisor at SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture.

Craig comes from a construction and environmental background, with experience in both the private and public sectors and is passionate about making health and safety information easy to find and understand for everyone.

Learn more about Craig's work on LinkedIn

Available for instant download and supplied in fully editable MS Word format for use in your business.

Please note that the above information is provided as a comment only and should not be relied on as professional, legal or financial advice.