Working in the heat: How to keep a cool head
Working in the summer heat can be dangerous if the body can no longer cool down sufficiently. Anyone who works physically outdoors, is exposed to the waste heat from machines or has to wear dense protective clothing is particularly at risk.
From heat cramps to heat exhaustion to life-threatening heat stroke: illnesses caused by overheating are by no means harmless. With the midsummer temperatures prevailing outside at the moment, it is important to be particularly careful.
Various measures help your employees survive the heat days unscathed.
- Sun protection: Sun sails, canopies and umbrellas provide shade for people working outside. If working in the sun is unavoidable, sunscreen, headgear and clothing that protects against the sun are a must.
- Climate: Ventilation, ventilators and, if necessary, air conditioning provide cooling in indoor workplaces
- Limit time: If possible, employees should not work all day in the heat zone. In particular, physical work outdoors should be postponed until the cooler morning hours.
- Recovery breaks: Regular breaks in a cooler area are especially important on heat days. Many short breaks are better than a few long ones.
- Appropriate clothing: Work clothing must allow sweat to evaporate.
- Drink plenty: Provide free drinks to employees and encourage them to drink regularly.
If, despite these measures, employees experience heat symptoms such as dizziness, headache, exhaustion, nausea or vomiting, the affected person should be removed from the heat area, placed in a cool environment and given fluids. If heat stroke is suspected, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
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