How is heat exhaustion different in outdoor workers?

Sun, hot surfaces, protective clothing and heavy equipment can reduce the body's ability to lose heat. Carrying, digging or climbing adds internal heat, while sweating removes water and salts. A worker may notice headache, dizziness, unusual tiredness, weakness, nausea, thirst, heavy sweating or muscle cramps. Heat acclimatisation, poor sleep, illness and medicines can also affect tolerance. Symptoms may be mistaken for ordinary fatigue, especially late in a demanding shift.

Stop the task and move the person to shade or an air-conditioned area. Remove unnecessary outer clothing, loosen tight equipment and cool the skin with wet cloths, fanning or cool water. If the person is alert and able to swallow, give small, frequent sips of cool water or an appropriate rehydration drink. Do not send them back to strenuous work while symptoms remain; arrange supervision and a gradual return only after recovery and workplace review.

Call emergency services if the worker is confused, collapses, has a seizure, cannot drink, becomes difficult to wake or has very hot skin with worsening symptoms. These signs can indicate heat stroke, which is an emergency. Do not leave the person alone or make them walk to care. Seek medical assessment if symptoms do not improve promptly with cooling and fluids, or if vomiting prevents drinking.

Ask which medicines or health conditions may increase heat sensitivity, how to plan fluids and breaks for your duties, and when it is safe to resume outdoor work. Mention the work setting, protective clothing, symptoms, fluid intake and whether anyone else became unwell.