Five Workplace Strategies for Hot Weather Safety

Published by UFCW Local 152 at June 12, 2024

1. Employers should offer training on recognizing a heat-related medical emergency.

Employers should train all management and hourly employees with an emphasis on recognizing a medical emergency (heat stroke).

Heat exhaustion is a condition that happens when your body overheats.

Heat Exhaustion symptoms include:

Heavy sweating
Exhaustion, weakness
Fainting/Lightheadedness
Paleness
Headache
Clumsiness, dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Irritability

At the first sign of heat exhaustion, it is important to take the following steps to cool your body: move to a cooler area, use cold compresses, loosen clothing, and sip cool water. Always monitor your symptoms as you cool. Sometimes heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is a serious medical emergency and must be treated immediately.

Heat Stroke symptoms include:

Any symptoms of heat exhaustion — but more severe
Sweating may or may not be present
Red or flushed, hot, dry skin
Confusion/bizarre behavior
Convulsions before or during cooling
Collapse
Panting/rapid breathing
Rapid, weak pulse

2. Employers should have a clearly written protocol on how to respond to a medical emergency.

The protocol for all shifts should include information about who is authorized to call an ambulance, how to call for an ambulance, and what to do while waiting for emergency medical care.

This protocol should be translated into the commonly spoken languages in the facility and posted throughout the workplace.

3. Employers should ensure that workers have access to drinking water as needed and the right to access bathrooms as needed.

This is important because some workers hold back on drinking water so that they can put off using the restroom. This is never a good idea and can have serious consequences during hot weather!

4. Employers should monitor particularly hot and humid work areas.

Especially hot areas should be monitored with a device that measures both heat and humidity and combines these measurements to provide the Heat Index.

Employers should have a plan for additional rest breaks or means of cooling the work area whenever the heat index approaches the Extreme Caution zone.

Table Source: OSHA

5. Employers should give new workers time to acclimate to working in high-heat areas.

During their first two weeks, new workers should be monitored for signs of heat illness and provided extra breaks until they have adjusted to the heat.

If you are concerned about your hot weather working conditions, we encourage you to contact your Union Representative immediately. Stay safe and hydrated!

This article is inspired by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union’s article by the same name.