Preventing Heat Stress in the Workplace
As summer temperatures rise, so do the risks associated with heat stress in the workplace —especially in agriculture, grain handling, and other physically demanding industries. Heat illness can affect anyone working in high temperatures, particularly those exposed to direct sunlight or working in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like grain bins, warehouses, or equipment sheds.
Heat stress isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be deadly.
Why Heat Stress Matters
When a person is exposed to excessive heat, their body struggles to maintain a normal internal temperature. If the body cannot cool itself through sweating and hydration, this can lead to heat exhaustion or the more serious condition of heat stroke. These illnesses can develop rapidly, and without intervention, may result in permanent damage or even death.
Know the Warning Signs
Employees and supervisors should be able to recognize early symptoms of heat illness. These may include:
- Headache or dizziness
- Heavy sweating or confusion
- Muscle cramps or nausea
- Weakness or fainting
- Hot, dry skin (a possible sign of heat stroke)
In high-heat environments, recognizing these signs early can save lives. And knowing what to do in an emergency—such as moving the person to a shaded area, providing cool water, and calling for medical help—is just as critical.
Prevention Starts with Education
At Safety Made Simple, we offer targeted training courses designed to prepare your team for working safely in hot environments:
Heat Safety: Avoid the Stress
This course explains what happens to the body during heat exposure, how to recognize symptoms in yourself and others, and how to prevent heat-related illness altogether. It’s a great resource for employees working outdoors or in unconditioned indoor spaces during the warmer months.
Heat Illness Prevention
This course takes a deeper dive into identifying dangerous symptoms, responding to emergencies, and implementing prevention strategies at both the employee and employer level. It provides practical steps to help reduce the risk of heat-related incidents in the workplace.
Protecting Workers is Everyone’s Responsibility
Employers can help by ensuring access to water, rest breaks, and shade or cooling stations. Training, like the kind offered by Safety Made Simple, adds another layer of protection. Empowering workers with the knowledge to look out for themselves and their coworkers is key!
Don’t wait for a heat-related incident to take action. Prepare your team before temperatures peak. Start your training today through a free course test drive or call our support team to get these courses added to your line up: