Is heat exhaustion safe in outdoor workers?

Heat exhaustion happens when heat, exertion, and fluid or salt loss place strain on the body. Heavy sweating, weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, thirst, and clammy skin can occur. An outdoor worker may become unwell during a shift or after leaving direct sun, especially in humid conditions or protective clothing. It can progress to heat stroke, which affects brain function and is an emergency.

Move the worker to shade or an air-conditioned area and loosen unnecessary clothing. Cool the skin with wet cloths, a fan, or cool water. If the person is awake and able to swallow, offer frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. Do not send them back to strenuous work while symptoms continue. A supervisor should arrange observation, encourage rest, and review the heat plan before the next shift.

Call emergency services immediately for confusion, fainting, a seizure, unusual behaviour, inability to drink, repeated vomiting, or very hot skin with worsening illness. These features may indicate heat stroke. Arrange prompt medical assessment if symptoms are severe, last after cooling and drinking, return repeatedly, or affect a worker with a heart, kidney, or other condition that changes fluid needs.

Ask which fluids are suitable for your health, whether medicines increase heat sensitivity, how long you should avoid heavy work, and what symptoms should trigger emergency help. Discuss a gradual return to heat, planned shade breaks, clothing, and whether a workplace assessment is needed.