Summertime brings extreme heat, which can pose significant risks to workers in outdoor environments. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, July 2023 was the hottest month ever recorded, and forecasters are predicting the approaching summer months will bring even higher heat. As a safety professional, it is your responsibility to ensure that your organization has the appropriate tools in place to make your worksite as safe as possible to prevent heat-related illness and injuries. 

Ensuring the health and safety of workers during these hot months is critical, including implementing heat safety programs and promoting the use of appropriate PPE.

In this article, we will outline key summer safety protocols to protect workers from summer-related dangers.

Create a heat safety plan

It is essential that your organization has a comprehensive heat safety plan in place. This plan should include mitigation strategies such as:

• Modified work environments: Make shaded rest areas available on your site, which could include temporary structures for tasks conducted in direct sunlight. Consider installing fans or portable evaporative coolers to improve air circulation in enclosed or semi-enclosed workspaces, including break areas. And whenever possible, schedule heavy labor tasks during cooler parts of the day, such as in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Hydration protocols: Every jobsite should have easy access to cool drinking water. Encourage workers to drink small amounts of water frequently rather than large amounts infrequently and encourage workers to take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. 
• Scheduled breaks: Work to establish extreme heat thresholds, including when you will implement mandatory breaks, modified schedules or when work should be halted altogether due to weather. Being prepared in advance will help with quick decision-making. 
• Worker education: Encourage a strong safety culture by conducting regular training sessions for workers to recognize heat-related illnesses, proper hydration and first aid measures. Empower workers to take care of themselves and to be their own advocates. 
• Continuously monitor and improve: Review and update your safety program on a regular basis based on feedback and incident reports. Continuous monitoring ensures that the measures remain effective and adapt to changing conditions and you can also encourage workers to report any heat-related symptoms and suggestions for improving the heat safety program and analyze incident data to identify patterns and areas for improvement.

With July and August being the hottest months of the year in most areas, now is the time to execute and evaluate your heat safety plan to keep your workers safe and working. 

Select the right PPE 

Selecting the right PPE can significantly impact a worker’s ability to stay cool and safe during the summer. While workers may think they need to wear less, it is critical on many jobsites that they stay covered in order to be protected from hazards like falling objects and debris. 

Work with your PPE partner to provide your workers with equipment that helps alleviate heat discomfort, including:

• Clothing: Breathable and lightweight clothing is essential. Look for moisture-wicking workwear that is designed to draw sweat away from the skin while allowing for rapid evaporation to keep workers dry. Stay away from cotton garments, which retain moisture.
• Neck gaiters: Neck gaiters can serve multiple purposes beyond headgear. They can provide sun protection, pull sweat away from the skin or provide instant cooling when wet with cold water.
• Breathable boots: Look for safety footwear options that include top-of-the-line insoles engineered to ventilate feet from extreme temperatures. Additionally, when feet get sweaty, workers are more likely to experience instability, so look for work boots that offer tri-directional traction lugs and a defined heel breast for enhanced grip.

Summary

Summer heat poses a significant risk to workers on outdoor and industrial sites, but with a proactive approach and comprehensive heat safety plan, these risks can be managed effectively. By ensuring access to hydration and shade, worker education and requiring appropriate PPE, you can protect teams from the dangers of heat-related illnesses.