Working Safely in Hot Weather

Hot weather is more dangerous than many realise. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real risks for tradespeople working outdoors or in unventilated spaces. Here's how to stay safe.

Understanding the Risk

Your body cools itself by sweating. When it's hot and humid, sweating becomes less effective. Add physical work and the body generates more heat than it can shed. This leads to:

• Heat exhaustion - Heavy sweating, weakness, cold/pale skin, nausea, dizziness
• Heat stroke - Body temperature over 40C, confusion, hot/dry skin (sweating stops), loss of consciousness. Medical emergency.

Prevention Strategies

Hydration

• Drink before you're thirsty - thirst means you're already dehydrated
• Water is fine - you don't need sports drinks unless working very hard for hours
• Avoid alcohol and excess caffeine - both dehydrate
• Keep water accessible and cool
• Aim for pale urine - dark urine means dehydration

Work Scheduling

• Start earlier, finish earlier
• Heaviest work in the cooler morning
• Lighter tasks in afternoon heat
• More frequent breaks
• Longer breaks in shade

Clothing

• Light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes
• Wide-brimmed hat if allowed (hard hats can be ventilated)
• Sunscreen on exposed skin
• Check our workwear range for suitable options

Environment

• Create shade where possible
• Use fans or ventilation
• Take breaks in air-conditioned vehicles or buildings
• Know where the coolest areas are

Recognising Problems

Heat Exhaustion Signs

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness or fatigue
• Pale, cool, clammy skin
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting
• Headache
• Muscle cramps

Heat Stroke Signs (Emergency)

• High body temperature (over 40C)
• Hot, red, dry skin (no sweating)
• Confusion or altered behaviour
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Loss of consciousness

What to Do

For Heat Exhaustion

1. Move to cool area
2. Loosen clothing
3. Apply cool, wet cloths
4. Sip water
5. Seek medical attention if vomiting, symptoms worsen, or last over an hour

For Heat Stroke (Emergency)

1. Call 999 immediately
2. Move to cool area
3. Cool rapidly by any means (cold water, ice, fanning)
4. Do NOT give fluids if unconscious

Looking Out for Each Other

You might not notice your own symptoms. Watch colleagues for:

• Unusual behaviour or confusion
• Excessive sweating or sudden stop in sweating
• Complaints of dizziness or nausea
• Flushed face
• Signs of fatigue

Don't hesitate to suggest breaks or express concern.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must assess heat risks and take reasonable measures. This includes:

• Providing drinking water
• Allowing rest breaks
• Providing shade where possible
• Training on heat illness recognition
• Appropriate work scheduling in extreme heat

If conditions are genuinely dangerous, work can be stopped.

Stay safe with proper PPE from our safety range.