Stay Cool – Stay Safe – Prevent Heat Stress
Seasonal Safety Bulletin | Summer Working Conditions
HIGH TEMPERATURES CAN CREATE SERIOUS HEALTH RISKS
Working outdoors during hot weather can increase the risk of:
Heat stress
Heat exhaustion
Heat stroke
Dehydration
Reduced concentration and increased risk of accidents
All employees must understand the dangers of working in high temperatures and follow preventive measures to protect themselves and their colleagues.
Remember: Safety starts with personal responsibility.
1. DRINK WATER REGULARLY
Your body loses water through sweating. Dehydration reduces your ability to work safely.
Always:
✓ Drink water frequently during the working day
✓ Drink before you feel thirsty
✓ Keep drinking water available close to the workplace
✓ Take small amounts of water regularly rather than waiting until you are exhausted
Avoid:
✗ Excessive coffee consumption
✗ Energy drinks during hot work conditions
✗ Alcohol before or during work activities
Recommended action:
Drink approximately 200–250 ml of water every 15–20 minutes during hot weather conditions.
2. PLAN WORK TO REDUCE HEAT EXPOSURE
Supervisors and workers must organize activities to reduce exposure to extreme heat.
Good practices:
✓ Perform heavy physical work during cooler periods of the day
✓ Schedule frequent rest breaks
✓ Use shaded or cooled rest areas
✓ Rotate workers when possible during intensive outdoor activities
✓ Monitor weather conditions before starting work
Avoid unnecessary exposure during the hottest period of the day.
3. WEAR SUITABLE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Correct PPE helps protect workers from sun exposure and workplace hazards.
Workers should wear:
✓ Lightweight and breathable work clothing
✓ High-visibility safety vest where required
✓ Safety footwear
✓ Protective gloves suitable for the task
✓ Safety glasses with UV protection
✓ Wide-brimmed hats or sun protection helmets
Do not remove required PPE because of hot weather. Consult your supervisor if PPE causes discomfort.
4. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM DIRECT SUNLIGHT
Long exposure to sunlight can cause burns, fatigue and heat-related illness.
Protection measures:
✓ Work in shaded areas whenever possible
✓ Use temporary shade structures
✓ Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on exposed skin
✓ Protect your neck and face from direct sunlight
✓ Wear sunglasses with UV protection
5. RECOGNIZE SIGNS OF HEAT STRESS
Early warning signs:
Headache
Dizziness
Excessive sweating
Weakness
Fatigue
Muscle cramps
Nausea
If you experience these symptoms:
Stop work immediately
Move to a shaded or cool area
Drink water
Inform your supervisor
6. HEAT STROKE – EMERGENCY CONDITION
Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency.
Possible signs:
Confusion or unusual behavior
Loss of consciousness
Hot and dry skin
Very high body temperature
Seizures
Immediate actions:
✓ Call emergency medical assistance
✓ Move the person to a cool place
✓ Remove unnecessary clothing
✓ Cool the body using water, wet towels or other cooling methods
Do not leave an affected worker alone.
WORKER RESPONSIBILITIES
Every employee must:
✓ Follow HSE instructions
✓ Use provided drinking water and rest facilities
✓ Wear required PPE
✓ Report unsafe conditions
✓ Look after colleagues and report signs of heat stress
SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervisors must:
✓ Assess heat-related risks before starting work
✓ Provide drinking water and suitable rest areas
✓ Organize work schedules considering weather conditions
✓ Monitor workers during hot weather
✓ Ensure emergency arrangements are available
QUICK SAFETY CHECK BEFORE STARTING WORK
☐ Is drinking water available?
☐ Are
