Stay Safe, Stay Cool: Heat Stress Prevention

When considering extreme weather, we often picture hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods. Surprisingly, heat is the most lethal weather condition in the United States, claiming more lives annually than any other extreme weather event.

Construction, agriculture, and landscaping workers are particularly vulnerable to hot weather. However, heat can also affect those working indoors in kitchens, boiler rooms, bakeries, or warehouses. The scorching Texas summers are particularly dangerous, making it crucial for those working indoors and outdoors to understand and prevent heat stress.

We get it; we’ve seen firsthand how tough it can be to work in the scorching heat because many of our own team members face these conditions all too often. We’re filling you in on what you need to know so you can take these concerns seriously and keep your team safe.

Understanding Heat Stress

Heat stress occurs when the body cannot cool itself enough to maintain a healthy temperature. This can lead to heat-related illnesses, such as heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or fatal heat stroke, which can escalate quickly, leading to organ failure or death. High humidity, contact with hot surfaces, proximity to radiant heat sources, and strenuous physical activities all contribute to job-related heat illnesses. Workers over 65 and those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or obesity are particularly at risk.

Yet, even young, healthy workers can suffer from the negative effects of heat exposure.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Texas has recorded 42 heat-related deaths on the job since 2011 — more than any other state. In 2023, 294 people died in the U.S. from weather-related excessive heat, and 1,862 others experienced heat-related injuries, according to Injury Facts. Given these alarming statistics, it’s vital to recognize the significant threat heat-related illnesses pose to worker safety and productivity. Identifying ways to mitigate these risks is especially important during the sweltering summer months.

Note: Keeping yourself and your crew safe means being able to spot signs of heat-related illnesses before they escalate. Often, these symptoms can appear quickly and potentially become life-threatening, so it helps to know what to look for.

OSHA Standards for Heat Stress

If your job requires you to work outside or inside in a hot and humid environment, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established guidelines to protect workers from heat stress. OSHA emphasizes that employers must provide a safe working environment, which includes implementing preventive measures against heat-related hazards. Key OSHA standards include:

Training and Education: Employers must educate workers on the risks of heat stress, how to recognize symptoms, and the steps to take if they or a co-worker exhibit signs of heat-related illness.

Hydration: Workers should have easy access to water and be encouraged to drink small amounts frequently, ideally one cup every 15-20 minutes.

Rest Breaks: Employers should schedule frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, especially during peak heat hours.

Acclimatization: New and returning workers should gradually increase their exposure to heat over 7-14 days, allowing their bodies to adapt.

Monitoring: Employers should monitor weather conditions and implement additional precautions when high heat and humidity are forecasted. An app like the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App offers real-time updates, safety recommendations tailored to your location, and hourly forecasts for planning outdoor work activities.

Implementing OSHA’s guidelines is essential, but additional practical measures can further protect workers from heat stress:

• Encourage workers to wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to reflect heat and promote air circulation.
• Adjust work schedules to minimize exposure during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Opt for early morning or late afternoon shifts when possible to avoid a heat-related emergency.
• If you or your crews must be outside during the hottest part of the day, set up cooling stations with fans, misters, and shaded areas where they can cool down during breaks.
• Regularly check on workers, especially those at higher risk for heat stress, such as older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions. Implement a buddy system where workers look out for each other.
• Stay informed about local heat advisories and alerts, and adjust work plans accordingly. On extreme heat days, consider rescheduling non-essential outdoor work.

As heat becomes an increasingly visible and widespread threat, cities across Texas have faced scorching temperatures – up to 48°C (119°F) in 2023. This highlights the urgent need to take proactive steps to safeguard workers from the dangers of overheating.

We Want You to Stay Safe

We love supporting our clients’ outdoor landscaping needs. But we also care deeply about you and your work safety. A commitment to safety is not only good for your workers but also great for your business. Let’s make summer a win-win for everyone by taking some preventative steps and implementing proper safety precautions to prevent heat-related illness. Your team will thank you, and you’ll see the benefits of a happier, healthier workforce. Stay cool, stay safe!