How to Prevent and Treat Heat Stress in Outdoor Work Environments

Heat stress can affect people working outdoors, in vehicles, kitchens, warehouses, workshops and other warm environments. Good planning reduces risk and helps teams spot problems before they become serious.

What increases the risk?

• High temperatures, humidity or limited air movement.
• Heavy physical work or long shifts.
• Hot processes, machinery or radiant heat.
• Protective clothing or equipment that restricts cooling.
• Dehydration, illness or a lack of acclimatisation.

Practical controls

Review the work, provide water and rest areas, improve ventilation where possible and adjust schedules during extreme heat. Check in with staff and make sure supervisors understand when work should stop or change.

Respond early

Take symptoms seriously. Move someone who feels unwell to a cooler area, cool them and get medical help when needed. Call 999 for severe symptoms, confusion, seizure or loss of consciousness.

Combine sensible risk controls with workplace first aid training. Request a group booking quote for practical team training.