Heat Safety Tips for Workers

Tri-county residents who work outdoors may be exposed to extreme heat this summer.

Health officials from Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties warn that farmers, construction workers, beach and pool lifeguards, and others who work outside should be especially cautious as the temperatures rise.

Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers because it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety goggles and dizziness.

Workers are at greater risk of heat stress if they are 65 or older, overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat.

Prevention of heat stress in workers is critical.

Recommendations for workers:

Workers should avoid exposure to extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity when possible. When these exposures cannot be avoided, workers should take the following steps to prevent heat stress:

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton. Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing.

• Gradually build up to heavy work.

• Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day.

• Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity. Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible.

• Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty.

• Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar.

• Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress. Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.

Recommendations for employers:

• Schedule maintenance and repair jobs in hot areas for cooler months.

• Schedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day.

• Acclimatize workers by exposing them for progressively longer periods to hot work environments.

• Reduce the physical demands of workers.

• Use relief workers or assign extra workers for physically demanding jobs.

• Provide cool water or liquids to workers.

  • Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar.

• Provide rest periods with water breaks.

• Provide cool areas for use during break periods.

• Monitor workers who are at risk of heat stress.

• Provide heat stress training that includes information about:

  • Worker risk

  • Prevention

  • Symptoms

  • The importance of monitoring yourself and coworkers for symptoms

  • Treatment

  • Personal protective equipment

For more information about heat safety, visit:

• Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: http://www.dhmh.maryland.gov

• FEMA: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/heat/index.shtm

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.bt.cdec.gov/disasters/extremeheat/

For information about your county, call your local health department:

• Somerset: 443-523-1700

• Wicomico: 410-334-3480

• Worcester: 410-632-1100