Tips for employers and workers in hot conditions
August 1, 1997 2 minutes read
Tips for employers and workers in hot conditions
The following tips for employees working in hot environments are compiled from the advice offered by occupational health programs and The Center to Protect Workers’ Rights, a research arm of the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO in Washington, DC, and the Mine Safety and Health Administration in Arlington, VA:
- Drink plenty of water.
The exact amount of water needed to avoid heat stress depends on different factors, but workers generally should drink as much as possible when heat stress is possible. It is not sufficient for workers to drink when thirsty; they must drink more than that. Drinks providing electrolytes, including many popular sports drinks, can provide an additional benefit. If nothing else, the pleasant taste can encourage workers to drink more. Employers must be careful not to enact policies, such as restrictions on the number of breaks in an hour, that discourage workers from drinking fluids often.
- Take frequent rest breaks.
Employers must recognize that hot working conditions will require more flexibility in allowing breaks. It may be necessary to assign more workers to a task in hot conditions than would be necessary otherwise, so that they can take frequent breaks and take turns with the most strenuous work.
- Schedule work so heat poses the least risk.
Difficult labor or tasks performed in the open sun should be scheduled very early or very late in the day when possible.
- Compensate for protective clothing.
The risk of heat stress can be greatly increased when workers have to wear protective gear like coveralls, gloves, boots, face masks, and helmets. The protective clothing can make heat stress a serious risk even when the ambient temperature is cool. Work schedules, breaks, and medical monitoring should be altered accordingly.
- Acclimate to new environments.
If workers must be sent to a different region that is warmer than their home environment, the schedule should include about a week to acclimate to the warmer conditions. Some work is acceptable in the acclimation period, but the employer should not require the heaviest work until after the workers are acclimated.
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