Whether your employees are outdoors—on the job or at play this summer—or working indoors in a hot environment, they need to know how to cope with hot and humid conditions, which can pose serious dangers to their health.
The human "cooling system" uses perspiration and blood vessels to regulate body temperature. However, when someone is working hard in the heat, especially when it is also humid, this system can break down, raising the person's temperature and heart rate.
Although people who are past middle age or have health problems are especially vulnerable, the young and healthy can also suffer from heat-related conditions.
Overheating also affects the brain. A temperature hike as little as 2 degrees can impair mental functioning, increasing the risk of accidents by making workers more likely to overlook hazards or make mistakes.
For workplace-specific guidance on managing heat and humidity, see Coping with Heat and Humidity in the Workplace.
Heat-related conditions (and remedies)
- Heat rash — Can be irritating: take a shower and use a little talcum powder.
- Heat stress — Symptoms include thirst, vision problems and/or feeling woozy or tired: drink a cool, non-alcoholic beverage in a shady place.
- Heat cramp — Involves pain from twitching muscles caused by losing salt from perspiration: get into the shade and take cool fluids.
- Heat exhaustion — Look for heavy perspiration, fatigue, queasy stomach, and chilly, clammy skin: put the person in the shade with their feet slightly elevated, provide a cooling beverage (unless the victim is nauseated), and be prepared to seek medical assistance.
- Heatstroke — Can be fatal; characterized by a lack of sweating, a temperature elevated by up to five degrees, hot skin, mental confusion, and loss of coordination: call paramedics immediately and then get the victim to a shaded spot, keeping them cool with cold water sponges or ice packs until help arrives.
Prevention and protection
- Wear sunglasses for protection against exposure to UV rays.
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more to minimize sunburn and long-term skin damage.
- Keep hydrated with plenty of cool (not ice-cold) water and beverages free of alcohol or caffeine.
- Minimize exposure to the sun by going indoors or staying in the shade during the hottest part of the day.
- Eat light meals with small servings of fruits and vegetables, which help maintain fluid balance.
Organizations that operate outdoor programs or camps should also review Summer Camps with Horseback Riding Insurance for program-specific considerations and risk guidance.
If you have questions about coverage or risk management, talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are early signs of heat stress?
Early signs include excessive thirst, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, or feeling unusually tired; move to shade and drink cool, non-alcoholic fluids immediately.
How should I respond to possible heatstroke?
Call emergency services at once; while waiting, move the person to shade, remove excess clothing, and cool them with water, wet cloths, or ice packs on the neck, armpits, and groin.
How often should workers take breaks in hot conditions?
Frequency depends on workload and temperature, but employers should provide regular rest breaks in a cool area and allow time for acclimatization when temperatures rise.
When should I seek medical help for heat-related symptoms?
Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, include confusion or fainting, vomiting, high body temperature, or if cooling measures do not improve the condition quickly.