What does heat stroke mean in outdoor workers?

Hard physical work, direct sun, hot air, heavy protective clothing and limited access to water can overwhelm the body's cooling system. Confusion, unusual behaviour, collapse, seizures, severe weakness, hot skin or loss of sweating can appear. Sweating may still be present, so its absence does not rule heat stroke out. Heat exhaustion can worsen into heat stroke, but a person with heat stroke may not describe earlier warning symptoms.

Call emergency services immediately and tell a supervisor or workplace first aider. Move the person to shade or an air-conditioned area, remove outer clothing, and cool the skin with water, wet cloths, fans or cold packs placed around the neck, armpits and groin. Stay with them and monitor breathing. Do not give drinks to a confused, drowsy or unconscious person, and do not leave them alone to recover.

Treat suspected heat stroke as an emergency rather than waiting for a temperature reading or symptom improvement. Emergency help is needed for confusion, fainting, seizure, collapse, severe breathing difficulty or inability to drink after heat exposure. A worker who becomes unwell during a hot shift should stop work and be assessed, especially if symptoms continue after moving to a cool place.

Ask which medicines or health conditions may increase heat risk, how to return safely to outdoor duties, and what breaks, shade, clothing or hydration plan should be used during future shifts.