What measures can you take to ensure you limit the effects of hot weather

Authored by QBE Senior Risk Manager Simon MacLean

As we encounter higher than usual summer temperatures more frequently, what measures can you take to ensure you limit the effects? 

 Who’s affected and what are the main health risks from heat exposure

For some people, particularly older people, those with underlying health conditions, those who can't adapt to keep cool or those who are exposed to high levels of heat because of their work, the summer heat can bring real health risks. While there is no maximum temperature for workplaces, all workers are entitled to an environment where risks to their health and safety are properly controlled, including heat.

The main health risks from heat exposure are:

• Dehydration from not consuming enough fluids
• Overheating can worsen symptoms for people with existing heart or breathing problems.
• Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are potentially serious conditions that can occur if you get too hot.
• Skin damage from direct sunlight which may be irreversible.

Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke

Exposure to excessive heat for some time can lead to either heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Signs of heat exhaustion include:

• a headache
• dizziness and confusion
• loss of appetite and feeling sick
• excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
• cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
• fast breathing or pulse
• a high temperature of 38’C or above
• being very thirsty

With early intervention and cooling the individual down within 30 minutes, the effects of heat exhaustion should subside.

Heatstroke requires immediate medical support and signs include:

• feeling unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place and drinking plenty of water
• not sweating even while feeling too hot
• a high temperature of 40’C or above
• fast breathing or shortness of breath
• feeling confused
• a fit (seizure)
• loss of consciousness
• nonresponsive

If an individual presents these symptoms call for emergency assistance.

Limiting the effects of excessive temperatures

• If working indoors close blinds that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler.
• If working outdoors try to utilise shaded areas. 
• Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol. 
• Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm when the UV rays are strongest.
• Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat
• Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
• Make sure you take water with you even when travelling.
• Where available take a cool shower
• Check the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings and plan work activities accordingly.

Heat can be major hazard and must be factored into any risk

Things to consider are:

• work rate - the harder someone works the greater the amount of body heat generated
• working climate - this includes air temperature, humidity, air movement and effects of working near a heat source
• employee clothing and respiratory protective equipment - may impair the efficiency of sweating and other means of temperature regulation; employee's age, build and medical factors - may affect an individual's tolerance
• training- make sure employees are fully aware of the signs of heat related effects, particularly new and young employees
• monitoring – ensure periodic monitoring is undertaken to detect early signs of heat related issues. These are to be recorded to support claims defensibility.