Preventing Heat Illness in City Operations

Guest post by Julie Jelen, Senior Loss Control Consultant

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat-related illnesses for city employees. Streets crews, parks staff, utility workers, and other public works employees often spend long hours working outdoors in direct sunlight, performing physically demanding tasks. Without proper precautions, heat exposure can quickly become  a serious health and safety concern.

Heat illness is preventable. By planning, training employees, and recognizing the warning signs early, cities can protect their employees and reduce the risk of heat-related injuries and illnesses.

Develop and implement a heat safety plan

When heat hazards are present, preparation is critical. Every city should have a heat safety plan that addresses the unique risks associated with its operations.

A heat safety plan should:

• Identify job tasks and work environments with heat exposure risks
• Monitor weather conditions and heat stress levels
• Acclimate new and returning employees to hot working conditions
• Implement engineering controls, safe work practices, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Train employees and supervisors

Training is one of the most effective tools for preventing heat illness. Employees and supervisors should understand:

• The causes and risk factors of heat-related illness
• Early warning signs and symptoms
• Appropriate prevention measures
• Emergency response procedures

Training should occur before the hottest months of the year and be reinforced throughout the summer season. Cities can also utilize education materials available through OSHA’s Heat Illness Campaign and the League of Minnesota Cities’ Streaming Safety Videos.

Practical tips for preventing heat illness

Employees can reduce their risk of heat-related illness by following these simple precautions:

Stay hydrated

Drink water before, during, and after work. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to hydrate. Workers performing strenuous tasks in hot conditions may need up to one quart (32 ounces) of water per hour. For extended periods of heavy sweating, beverages containing electrolytes may be beneficial. Avoid alcohol and limit high-caffeine of high-sugar energy drinks, which can contribute to dehydration.

Take regular rest breaks

Schedule breaks in shade or air-conditioned areas whenever possible. Rest periods allow the body to cool down and recover from heat exposure.

Dress appropriately

Wear lightweight, light-colored, and breathable clothing when job duties allow. Wide-brimmed  hats and sun-protective clothing can help reduce heat stress and sun exposure.

Monitor yourself and others

Not everyone responds to heat exposure the same way. Age, medical conditions, medications, fitness level, and previous heat exposure can all affect an individual’s tolerance to heat. Encourage employees to look out for one another and speak up if symptoms develop.

Use available controls

Take advantage of engineering controls, work practice modifications, and PPE designed to reduce heat exposure. Examples include cooling fans, shaded workstations, rotating job assignments, and adjusted work schedules during peak heat hours.

Recognize the signs of heat illness

Early recognition can prevent a minor condition from becoming a life-threatening emergency.

Common signs and symptoms of heat illness include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Hot, dry skin
• Muscle cramps
• Increased body temperature
• Excessive thirst
• Reduced urine output

If a worker experiences these symptoms:

• Move them to a cooler location
• Provide water to drink
• Use fans, cool towels, water, or ice packs to help lower body temperature
• Remove unnecessary clothing
• Stay with the worker and monitor their condition
• If in doubt, call 911 or seek medical care

Get more tips on heat-related illnesses and first aid so you can be prepared in the event of an emergency.

A shared responsibility

Preventing heat illness is a shared responsibility between employers, supervisors, and employees. Municipal leaders can create safer workplaces by planning, providing training, encouraging hydration, and ensuring employees have opportunities to rest and recover during hot weather.

With the right precautions in place, cities can keep streets maintained, parks beautiful, utilities operating, and most importantly, employees safe throughout the summer season.