What to know about heat stroke in outdoor workers

Heat stroke happens when the body cannot release heat effectively and its temperature regulation begins to fail. It can develop during strenuous work in hot, humid conditions, especially when protective clothing, limited shade, dehydration, illness or recent heat exposure add to the load.

Warning signs can include confusion, unusual behaviour, fainting, seizures, severe weakness, a very hot body and trouble walking. Sweating may be present or absent, so do not wait for dry skin before acting. Heat exhaustion can worsen into heat stroke, but a worker with altered thinking needs emergency help.

Call emergency services and tell the dispatcher that heat stroke is suspected. Stop the work, remove unnecessary outer clothing, and move the person into shade or an air-conditioned area. Cool them rapidly with water, wet cloths, fans or cold packs placed around the neck, armpits and groin. Keep monitoring breathing and responsiveness.

Do not leave the person alone. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, vomiting, having a seizure or unable to swallow safely. For prevention, schedule recovery breaks, provide drinking water, use shaded rest areas, encourage lightweight breathable clothing where safe, and arrange gradual acclimatisation for people returning to hot work.

Call emergency services immediately for confusion, collapse, seizure, loss of consciousness, severe breathing difficulty or a worker who cannot drink safely after heat exposure. Begin cooling while help is coming. Even if the person becomes more alert, heat stroke can injure the brain and other organs, so urgent medical assessment is needed.

Ask whether medicines or health conditions could increase heat risk, how to plan a return to outdoor duties, which symptoms should trigger removal from heat, and whether your workplace heat plan needs individual adjustments.