With temperatures climbing across the Southeast this week, workers in outdoor, warehouse, manufacturing, logistics, and other non-climate-controlled environments should take heat safety seriously. Working in extreme heat, humidity, direct sunlight, physical exertion, limited airflow, and personal protective equipment (PPE) can combine to create dangerous conditions.
The good news is that practical planning can reduce risk. Staying hydrated, taking appropriate breaks, recognizing warning signs, and looking out for coworkers are essential parts of working safely in extreme heat.
Start Hydrating Before the Shift
Do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Thirst can be a late sign that your body needs fluids. Begin the day hydrated, bring a refillable water container when permitted, and use every scheduled break as an opportunity to drink.
For moderate activity in the heat, a general starting point is about 8 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes. Needs vary based on the work, temperature, humidity, clothing, health, and individual factors, so follow your employer’s heat-safety plan. Do not try to replace all lost fluids at once. If sweating continues for several hours, a balanced electrolyte beverage may be helpful, especially with regular meals. Avoid relying on energy drinks, alcohol, or beverages with large amounts of sugar to stay hydrated.
Make Water and Cooling Breaks Part of the Work Plan
Hydration is most effective when clean, cool water is accessible near the work area. Workers should not have to walk a long distance or wait for permission to drink. Employers and supervisors can support safety by checking supplies throughout the shift and encouraging regular hydration.
Rest breaks are equally important. Use shaded or air-conditioned areas whenever possible, and take additional cooling breaks when conditions worsen. Shorter work periods and more frequent breaks may be necessary as temperatures, humidity, sunlight, physical demands, or PPE requirements increase. In a warehouse or plant, improve airflow with fans where appropriate and rotate tasks around heat-producing equipment.
Dress for the Conditions While Following PPE Requirements
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing when job and safety requirements allow it. A brimmed hat, sunscreen, and breathable layers can help reduce sun exposure outdoors. Never remove or modify required PPE without direction from a supervisor or safety professional. Ask whether cooling vests, lighter protective materials, adjusted work-rest schedules, or other controls are available.
Hot surfaces, fogged safety glasses, sweaty hands, and fatigue can increase the risk of slips, burns, equipment mistakes, and other injuries. Heat safety is part of overall workplace safety.
Allow Time to Acclimatize
Workers who are new to hot conditions, returning after time away, or moving into a more physically demanding role may need time to adjust. This process, known as acclimatization, helps the body gradually adapt to heat. Employers should consider phased duties, frequent breaks, and closer supervision for new or unacclimatized workers. Prior experience does not make sudden exposure to extreme heat safe.
Know the Warning Signs
Heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, thirst, elevated body temperature, or reduced urination. Stop work, move to a cooler location, loosen unnecessary clothing, and take frequent sips of cool water. A worker with suspected heat exhaustion should receive medical evaluation, with someone staying nearby while help is arranged.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, seizures, or very high body temperature are serious warning signs. Call 911, move the person to a cool area, remove outer clothing, and begin rapid cooling with cold water, wet towels, ice packs, or an ice-water bath if available. Stay with the worker until emergency services arrive.
Use the Buddy System
Heat illness can develop quickly, and a sick worker may not recognize the danger. Check in with coworkers, especially during the hottest part of the shift. Speak up if you feel faint, weak, unusually tired, nauseated, or confused. Reporting symptoms early is a responsible safety decision—not a sign of weakness.
Employers can reinforce this culture through daily heat briefings, weather monitoring, clear emergency procedures, and training for both supervisors and workers. Working safely in extreme heat depends on everyone having the information, supplies, and authority to respond.
A Safer Shift Starts With Preparation
Working safely in extreme heat requires more than simply carrying a water bottle. Plan for hydration, cooling, acclimatization, appropriate PPE, and frequent communication before work begins. Whether you are working on a jobsite, loading dock, warehouse floor, production line, or outdoor route, take heat warnings seriously and make safety part of every shift.
En Automation Personnel Services, we take employee health and well-being seriously by helping create safe, supportive workplaces where people can do their best work.
This article provides general information and does not replace your employer’s safety program or medical advice. Follow workplace procedures and seek emergency care for serious symptoms.