While idyllic images of summer, swimming, sipping a glass of lemonade, and grilling, might be nice, the reality of summer can be brutal for those who find themselves working outside during a heat wave. In Texas, we know to expect heat waves even long after summer has officially ended. According to a joint study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), "workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments...may be at risk for heat stress." Just what is heat stress, and how can you take steps to ensure the safety of your team during the hot summer months?

What Is Heat Stress?

Heat stress occurs when the body builds heat, either caused by muscle use or high temperatures. As the internal body temperature rises, your heart rate increases. This can lead to several heat-related illnesses, often before workers realize there is a problem.

Heat stress can lead to illnesses including:

Heat stroke, a life-threatening illness. As the body temperature increases, the worker can experience confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, high body temperature, and either hot, dry skin or profuse sweating. If this occurs, get the worker to a shady spot, wet them with cool water, and call 911.

Heat exhaustion, also a serious illness. The worker may complain of headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, elevated body temperature, and decreased urine output. Get the worker to a cooler area right away, have them drink liquids, remove excess clothing, and place cold compresses on the head, neck, and face. If symptoms don't improve or worsen, seek medical care immediately.

Heat cramps, which occur as the body loses salts and fluids with sweat. Have the worker drink plenty of water and get a snack. While it's no substitute for plain water, a sports drink with electrolytes can help relieve cramps. If a worker develops cramps, get them to a cooler, shady area right away.

Heat rash, the most common problem outdoor workers experience during hot summer months, often appearing on the neck, upper chest, groin area, and skin creases due to prolonged sweat exposure. Keep the rash dry and avoid ointments or creams, since they can trap moisture; powders may help relieve discomfort. If a rash doesn't improve with basic care, have the worker see a doctor.

Steps to Prevent Heat Stress

It's impossible to avoid the heat while working outside during the hot summer months, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests practical steps to help your workers beat it:

1. Train employees to follow the buddy system. During heat waves, ensure crew chiefs understand how to recognize the signs of heat stress and can act quickly.
2. Drink plenty of water. The CDC recommends drinking at least one cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes. Companies can help prevent the high cost of heat stress by proactively keeping large water coolers in trucks during the summer months.
3. Wear light-colored clothing made of natural fibers, such as cotton. Long-sleeved, loose-fitting shirts offer the best protection for those who must be outdoors.
4. Schedule the heaviest lifting for early morning. Save less physically demanding tasks, like operating equipment from a seated position, for the heat of the day.
5. Watch hydration the night before, too. It's harder to stay hydrated during the day after drinking alcohol the evening before work.
6. Wear a wide-brimmed sunhat that shields the head. A cool, damp rag around the neck, or wetting down a hat, also helps lower body temperature.
7. Slow down during the hottest part of the day. Workers who take frequent breaks are more productive during heat waves than those who try to push through without stopping.
8. Keep air conditioning functioning in all work vehicles. This gives workers a place to cool down between jobs or if they become overheated.

If you take steps to help your workers beat the heat during summer heat waves, it will help keep everyone safe and on the job. If you have any questions, we're always here to help.