Too Hot to Trot: The Hidden Dangers of Working in the Heat
When your body gets too hot and can’t cool itself fast enough, it starts to break down. As a result, heat-related illnesses can hit hard with dizziness, headaches, confusion, nausea and even loss of consciousness. Heat stroke, the most serious kind, can kill you if not treated quickly.
And it’s not just your health at risk. Heat leads to mental fatigue, which means slower thinking and more mistakes. Employees are more likely to trip, drop something or forget a step in their task. That’s how a simple job turns into a serious safety incident. So when temperatures rise, risk rises right along with it.
Know the Signs: Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke
Employees who work out in the heat need to know what to watch for – not just in themselves, but in fellow crew members too.
Heat Exhaustion:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness or dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Cool, moist skin
Heat Stroke:
- Body temp above 103°F
- Confusion or altered mental state
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
- Hot, dry skin (or profuse sweating in some cases)
If someone has heat stroke, call 911 right away. This is a medical emergency. Get them to shade, cool them with water and fans and stay with them until help arrives.
Prevention Starts Before the Shift
Beating heat-related illnesses starts before the sun comes up. Here’s a quick checklist for every day when it’s hot:
- Hydrate early. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Start drinking water before your shift and keep it going throughout the day.
- Dress right. Go with lightweight, light-colored and breathable clothing. Long sleeves are still smart for sun protection, just make sure they’re made of moisture-wicking material.
- Eat smart. Heavy meals make you sluggish. Go with something light and full of nutrients.
- Plan your work. If you’ve got heavy lifting or intense tasks, knock those out early in the morning before peak heat hits.
A five-minute prep at the start of the day can save someone from a trip to the ER later.
Hydration is the Most Important Tool You Bring to Work
Water is the best defense against heat-related illnesses. But let’s talk about electrolytes, too. When you sweat, you’re not just losing water. You’re also losing sodium (salt), potassium and magnesium. That’s why drinking gallon after gallon of plain water alone isn’t always enough. To stay hydrated:
- Sip water regularly, not all at once. A good rule of thumb is 8 ounces every 15–20 minutes during hard work in the heat.
- Mix in electrolytes. Sports drinks are fine in moderation, or you can use electrolyte powder packs. Just don’t go overboard on the sugar.
- Skip the caffeine and energy drinks. They dehydrate you and mask how tired you really are.
- Soda or alcohol is not hydration. Keep it clean, keep it simple and keep it constant.
PPE and Staying Cool is a Balance
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is non-negotiable. But let’s be honest – wearing a hard hat, safety vest, boots, gloves and possibly a respirator in 100°F heat sucks. Still, there are ways to work smarter, not harder in the heat:
- Cooling towels and neck wraps. Soak them in cold water and drape them around your neck or head during breaks.
- Ventilated hard hats. If your job site allows it, these can make a big difference.
- Breathable fabrics. Choose moisture-wicking base layers and look for high-visibility gear that doesn’t trap heat.
- Take gear off during breaks. Find a shaded spot and cool off whenever the schedule allows.
What to Watch During the Day
Throughout the shift, be aware of yourself and your crew members:
- Is anyone dragging more than usual?
- Has someone stopped sweating?
- Do they look pale, flushed or confused?
- Are they slurring their speech or moving slowly?
- Are they isolating or taking extra-long breaks?
Don’t wait for them to ask for help. Step in, pull them aside and give them time to cool off. Make it normal to check on each other.
Set the Tone
People watch how leaders handle the heat. If you power through without breaks, they’ll likely try to do the same. Leadership in hot weather means more than running the job on time. It means watching your people and making sure nobody’s pushing past their limit. Here are easy ways to keep your team safe this summer:
- Schedule smart. Start early, break mid-day and wrap up before the worst heat, when possible.
- Rotate tasks. Don’t have the same people doing heavy labor all day in the sun.
- Provide cooling stations. Fans, water, shade – these are basic investments in safety.
- Train on heat safety. If employees don’t know what to look for, they can’t prevent it.
If you take breaks, they’ll take breaks. If you check in, they’ll speak up. You’ll build trust and keep your crew happy and healthy.
Heat Acclimatization
When temps jump from spring to summer, the body needs time to adjust. That process is called acclimatization, and it can take 1–2 weeks. During this time:
- Gradually increase time spent working in the heat
- Provide extra breaks and monitor your people closely
- Don’t expect new workers to go full speed from Day 1
- If someone takes time off, restart the acclimatization process
Skipping the last step is the fastest way to land someone in the hospital – or worse. Heat-related illnesses are more common in the first few days of hot weather or when someone’s just returned to work.
Respect the Heat, or It’ll Beat You
No deadline, no bonus, no boss is worth pushing past your limit and risking your life. Heat-related illnesses are preventable but only if we take them seriously. Start your day with a heat safety check. Drink water like it’s your job. Look out for your team. And make sure the people leading are setting the right example.
Stay safe. Stay sharp. And beat the heat before it beats you.
Learn how microlearning-based training can mitigate your own heat-related hazards by scheduling a meeting to speak with a Tyfoom training consultant today!