Summer Workplace Safety: Staying Cool, Compliant, and Prepared

Sunny days are here—and for teams that work outdoors, warmer weather brings more than a seasonal mood boost. It also brings a renewed need to plan ahead, stay hydrated, recognize early warning signs of heat illness, and make sure workplace safety practices are ready for rising temperatures.

Washington’s outdoor heat exposure requirements now apply year-round whenever covered employees are exposed to outdoor heat at the applicable action levels. In general, preventive measures begin at 80°F for most clothing and at 52°F for non-breathable clothing, with additional high-heat procedures required at 90°F and above to support compliance and help protect employees, covered employers should make sure they have:

·        A written outdoor heat exposure safety program included in the Accident Prevention Program (APP).

·        Ready access to suitably cool drinking water, with enough available for each employee to drink at least one quart per hour.

·        Shade or another effective way for employees to cool down when temperatures reach the applicable action level.

·        Training for employees and supervisors on heat-related risks, symptoms, prevention, and emergency response.

·        Procedures for preventive cool-down rest periods, close observation during heat waves or acclimatization periods, and prompt response when symptoms appear.

Employees should also pay attention to personal risk factors, drink water regularly, speak up early if they feel symptoms coming on, and take cool-down breaks when needed. Heat illness can escalate quickly, so early action matters.

 Heat-related illness can show up in different ways. Watch for these common warning signs and response steps:

·        Heat cramps: Muscle pain or spasms, often in the legs, arms, or abdomen, with heavy sweating. Move to a cooler area, rest, and sip water unless nausea occurs.

·        Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, cool or clammy skin, and a fast or weak pulse. Move the person to shade or air conditioning, loosen clothing, cool with wet cloths or cold compresses, and offer small sips of water.

·        Heat stroke: Confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, seizures, very high body temperature, or hot, red, dry or damp skin. Call 911 immediately, move the person to a cooler place, and begin rapid cooling while waiting for help. Do not leave the person alone.

·        When in doubt: Stop work, cool the person, and get medical help. Heat illness can worsen quickly.

Need help reviewing your outdoor heat exposure practices or updating your APP? Give us a call at 425.877.1373. A little preparation now can help keep teams safer, cooler, and ready for the season ahead.