Staying Cool at Work: Why Heat Safety Matters
When the weather heats up, so does the risk of heat stress. It can affect anyone working in hot or humid conditions. Whether you’re outdoors or in a warm indoor space, understanding how heat impacts your body helps you stay safe and comfortable.
What Is Heat Stress?
Heat stress occurs when your body struggles to cool itself and maintain a core temperature around 37°C. If your body overheats, it can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. The good news is that with a few smart habits, you can prevent it and stay safe on the job.
What Makes Heat Stress Risky?
Several factors can increase the risk of heat stress:
- Your body: age, fitness, and health conditions
- Your environment: temperature, humidity, and airflow
- Your work: physical intensity, duration, and heat exposure
Why Water and Electrolytes Are Essential
When you sweat, you lose water and electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals help muscles contract, keep your heart beating properly, and allow your nerves to send signals.
According to Healthline, electrolytes support fluid balance, muscle function, and blood pressure stability. Without them, even drinking plain water may not prevent dehydration or cramps.
Losing too many electrolytes can cause:
- Muscle cramps and fatigue
- Dizziness or confusion
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea or headaches
During long hours in the heat, electrolyte drinks or lightly salted snacks can help replace what’s lost and keep you feeling well.
Skin and Sun Protection: Why It Matters in Hot Conditions
Staying cool and hydrated is essential, but sun protection is equally important. Even when it doesn’t feel hot, UV rays can still cause sunburn, skin damage, and increase the risk of skin cancer over time.
Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, yet it’s mostly preventable through simple daily habits. The “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide” message remains an effective reminder:
| Action | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Slip | On sun-protective clothing – long sleeves, collars, and tightly woven fabrics work best. |
| Slop | On SPF 50+ sunscreen – broad-spectrum and water-resistant. Apply 20 minutes before going out and reapply often. |
| Slap | On a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck, and ears. |
| Seek | Out shade whenever possible – under trees, umbrellas, or canopies. |
| Slide | On wraparound sunglasses that block UV rays to protect your eyes. |
Quick reminders:
- Use sun protection whenever the UV index is 3 or higher – that’s most days in Australia.
- Some clothes have a UPF rating to better block UV rays.
- UV exposure can occur even on cloudy days.
- Combine sun protection, hydration, and heat management to stay safe throughout the day.
Tips to Beat Heat Stress
Follow these simple strategies to reduce heat risk at work:
1. Tweak the Environment
- Use fans or ventilation to keep air moving.
- Set up shade or reflective covers outdoors.
- Schedule physically demanding jobs during cooler times of day.
2. Change How You Work
- Rotate heavy tasks so no one spends too long in the heat.
- Take regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
- Keep cold water accessible and encourage frequent hydration.
3. Know the Signs and Speak Up
- Learn the symptoms of heat stress: dizziness, sweating, cramps, or nausea.
- Ensure everyone knows the steps to take if someone feels unwell.
- Use tools such as the Heat Stress Calculator to assess conditions.
Heat stress isn’t just uncomfortable – it can be dangerous. With a few practical steps and greater awareness, everyone can stay safe, stay cool, and keep work running smoothly. Let’s look out for each other and ensure no one overheats on the job.