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Keeping Your Facility Cool

Heat Stress Prevention

Know the Warning Signs

Heat stress can develop gradually or appear suddenly, especially during extended exposure to high temperatures or strenuous activity in hot environments. It's important to recognize the early warning signs and act quickly to prevent more serious conditions such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Headache, dizziness, or fainting

Headache, dizziness, or fainting

Weakness and wet skin

Weakness and wet skin

Irritability

Irritability

Passing out / collapsing

Passing out / collapsing

Confusion, inability to think clearly

Confusion, inability to think clearly

Person may stop sweating

Person may stop sweating

Thirst, nausea, or vomiting

Thirst, nausea, or vomiting

Why Heat Stress Prevention Matters

Heat stress prevention is critical in protecting workers who perform tasks in high-temperature environments such as construction sites, landscaping, warehouses, manufacturing plants, commercial kitchens, and outdoor facilities. Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to serious health risks including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration—conditions that can impact productivity, safety, and even result in medical emergencies. Implementing heat stress prevention strategies, such as using cooling PPE, hydration stations, ventilation systems, and following OSHA heat safety guidelines, helps reduce risk, support compliance, and ensure worker well-being in hot working conditions.

Normal Fluid Daily Intake:

3.7Ltr.Men

2.7Ltr.Women

Extreme Heat Fluid Daily Intake:

11Ltr.Men

8Ltr.Women

Why Heat Stress Prevention Matters

Heat Safety

Stay cool, safe, and productive with top-rated heat safety products designed for demanding work environments. From cooling vests and hydration packs to portable fans and shade canopies, these essentials help reduce the risk of heat stress and support workplace safety in high-temperature conditions.

10 Tips For Heat Stress Prevention

To stay safe on the job, workers should limit their exposure to extreme heat, direct sunlight, and high humidity whenever possible. In situations where heat exposure is unavoidable, it’s critical to follow these heat stress prevention steps to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses:

Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.

Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.

Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing.

Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing.

Gradually build up to heavy work.

Gradually build up to heavy work.

Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day.

Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day.

Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity.

Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity.

Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible.

Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible.

Drink water regularly to stay hydrated—don’t wait until you feel thirsty.

Drink water regularly to stay hydrated—don’t wait until you feel thirsty.

Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar.

Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar.

Wearing PPE or protective clothing can raise heat stress risk.

Wearing PPE or protective clothing can raise heat stress risk.

Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.

Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.

Cooling PPE & Apparel

Keep workers protected in hot environments with cooling PPE and apparel designed to mitigate heat exposure and combat heat stress. Browse cooling vests, neck wraps, hard hat liners, and moisture-wicking gear that help regulate body temperature and improve comfort during high-heat tasks.

Hydration Solutions

Stay safe and prevent dehydration with reliable hydration solutions for hot and humid work environments. Explore water coolers, hydration packs, and electrolyte beverages that help maintain fluid levels and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses on the job.

Heat Prevention Guidelines

Protecting workers from heat-related hazards is critical in any industrial or commercial environment. Our Heat Prevention Guidelines provide practical tips and resources to help you create a safer workplace during hot weather. Explore expert articles from our Knowledge Center alongside trusted recommendations from agencies like OSHA and the CDC to stay compliant and keep your team healthy, productive, and protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a Question about Heat Stress? Our experts might already have the answers.

What is heat stress and how does it affect workers?

Heat stress happens when the body can't cool itself effectively, often due to high temperatures, physical exertion, or limited airflow. It can impact focus, physical performance, and health, increasing the risk of accidents or serious heat-related illnesses.

What are early warning signs of heat stress?

Early symptoms may include excessive sweating, fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps, or headache. If left unaddressed, it can lead to more serious conditions such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which require immediate action.

How can employers help prevent heat stress?

Preventing heat stress starts with access to water, rest breaks, and shade. Facilities should also provide cooling PPE, train staff on recognizing symptoms, and adjust work schedules during extreme heat conditions to reduce risk.

What types of cooling PPE are most effective?

Evaporative cooling vests, neck wraps, hard hat liners, and breathable apparel help regulate body temperature in high-heat environments. These items are especially useful for outdoor jobs or tasks performed in non-climate-controlled areas.

Why is hydration important during hot weather work?

Hydration helps regulate body temperature and replaces fluids lost through sweat. Workers should drink water frequently throughout the day, not just when they feel thirsty, to maintain safe hydration levels.

Who is most at risk for heat-related illness on the job?

Workers in high-heat environments—such as construction sites, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, or outdoor operations—face increased risk. New employees, those unacclimated to heat, and workers wearing heavy gear are especially vulnerable.

Are there regulations for heat stress prevention?

While federal OSHA does not have a specific heat standard, it requires employers to provide a safe working environment. Many companies follow OSHA's heat illness prevention guidelines, including hydration plans, training, and response protocols.