Five Measures to Prevent Heatstrokes

Does your company specialize in outdoor work? Your employees will have to deal with the heat of the summer months. In these demanding conditions, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent heatstroke, a phenomenon that occurs when the body loses its ability to control its temperature, and can have severe consequences.

Here are five essential measures to reduce the risk of heatstroke:

1. Provide plenty of fresh water and thirst-quenching drinks

We can’t stress this enough: drink plenty of fluids!

Recommendation: 2 liters of water or thirst-quenching drinks per person (per day). It is often recommended to drink a glass of water every 20 minutes.

Water and decaffeinated drinks are preferable, as caffeine has a diuretic effect and can exacerbate dehydration.

Ensure that fresh water and thirst-quenching beverages are always available in the workplace. Discover SPI’s thirst-quenching beverages right here.

2. Assess risks and adapt activities accordingly

Danger varies according to time of day, weather conditions and level of physical effort.

• Before starting work, be sure to identify hazards and plan temperature-dependent control measures to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Identify the hottest times of the day (generally between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.) and plan the most intense tasks outside these periods.
• Work in the shade whenever possible.
• Use sun protection devices such as awnings, parasols or hats (don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen).
• Adapt your work schedule to the heat and humidity.
• Allow frequent breaks in cool, airy places.
• Encourage teamwork to facilitate task rotation and mutual supervision.

3. Watch for symptoms and act quickly

Warning signs of heatstroke may include:

• Muscle cramps
• Shivering
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

If an employee shows symptoms of heatstroke:

• Have them rest immediately in a cool, well-ventilated place.
• Give them fresh water to drink (if conscious and lucid).
• Spray cool water on their body to cool them down.
• Ventilate the area and encourage air circulation.
• Immediately call for help if the employee’s condition does not improve rapidly, or if they show grave signs of confusion or unconsciousness.

4. Educate and train employees

It is essential to make employees aware of the risks associated with heatstroke, and to provide them with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves.

• Provide training in heatstroke prevention and first aid.
• Distribute informative brochures and awareness posters.
• Encourage open communication between employees and supervisors to report any heat-related problems.
• Awareness about monitoring your symptoms and those of your colleagues, and taking immediate action if necessary.

5. Create a work environment conducive to prevention

In addition to the measures mentioned above, it is important to create a work environment that favors the prevention of heatstroke.

• Promote a safety culture where employee health and well-being are a priority.
• Encourage employees to hydrate regularly and to wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.
• Promote a healthy, balanced diet that helps maintain hydration and energy levels.
• Allow employees to report any heat-related or health-related problems.

By following these 5 steps and creating a culture of prevention, you can protect your employees and ensure their safety and well-being during periods of intense heat.

Remember: prevention is always better than a cure. By taking simple, proactive steps, you can help prevent heatstroke and keep your employees safe.