Heat stress is a condition that occurs when the body cannot get rid of excess heat. Your body temperature rises, your heart rate increases, and you may experience a range of symptoms, from sweating (or lack of sweating) to dizziness and collapse. Heat stress can result in a number of heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rash.
What causes it?
- High outdoor temperature
- Layers of clothing/PPE
- Dehydration
- Decreased urination
- High humidity
- Direct sunlight
- Intensity of work
- Non-A/C workspaces
How to treat it
If someone on the job site shows symptoms of heat-related illness (HRI), stop their work and move them to shade. Offer clear fluids like water, Pedialyte, Powerade, or Gatorade (zero caffeine). Monitor their condition; if they improve, send them home. If they worsen, call 000 and move them indoors if possible.
How to prevent it
Stay hydrated
Drink more water and fluids than you think you need on the construction site in hot or humid months. If you wait to drink only when you are thirsty, dehydration has already begun.
Take breaks
Take frequent breaks from the sun and heat. Find and use air-conditioned shade when it is available and provide shade with pop-up tents when no other shade is available on your construction site.
Take time to adapt
Allow your body to adapt. It can take up to two weeks for a healthy construction worker to acclimatize in a hot environment. Be especially watchful of people who may be new to the environment as they are less likely to be aware of the signs of dehydration and heat stress.
Adjust starting time
Adjust the starting time for construction work if possible. Many jobs outdoors start much earlier in the day during the summer months to keep workers out of the intense heat of the afternoon sun.
At Fetch Recruitment, we prioritise safety with regular toolbox talks. If you have any concerns or need support, reach out to us anytime—we’re here to help.
