Work in hot weather and sunny conditions

Posted 14 July 2022


Working outside:

Outdoor working can expose operatives to the sun and associated UV radiation.

Workers should be afforded shade and in extreme conditions the ability to work in shorter shifts with spread out rest breaks to allow recovery time and adequate hydration.

Use of high protection factor sun cream will be encouraged and workers will need to wear clothes that cover them to protect against exposure.

Hot environments

Risk assessments need to address work in high temperatures.

Just as with periods of adverse weather that prevents working, in periods of high temperature and high risk of exposure to UV for outside workers risk assessment will need to consider if normal work can continue.

Use mechanical devices to minimise physical effort.

Reschedule work to cooler times of the day.

Access to cool drinking water should be available.

Remove PPE when resting.

Workers should be afforded shade and in extreme conditions the ability to work in shorter shifts with spread out rest breaks to allow recovery time and adequate hydration.

Use of high protection factor sun cream will be encouraged and workers will need to wear clothes that cover them to protect against exposure.

Be aware of the early signs of heat stress.

Working practices can be reviewed against HSE guidance:

https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg147.pdf
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg337.pdf

Heat stress:

Be aware that you can become dehydrated if your body loses too much sweat. This can be a risk in construction due to heavy labour when working under hot and humid conditions.

Where the body doesn’t have enough water to cool itself down, its temperature can rise above 38°C.

The results of this can include:

  • Cramps
  • Heat rash

Heat Exhaustion

This is when your body cannot maintain blood flowing both to vital organs and to the skin for cooling. Symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Weakness or feeling faint
  • Breathlessness
  • General difficulty in continuing work

Treatment:

  • Arrange for medical attention and cool down.
  • Relocate to a shaded area (or air conditioned room / vehicle, but ensure you cool down gradually).
  • You should expect to wait 30 minutes to cool the body. If you do not react quickly this can result in heat stroke.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency and can result in death.

The body cannot cool down as it has used all its water and salt. Temperatures can risk to dangerous levels.

Symptoms can include:

  • Lack of sweating
  • High body temperature
  • Confusion and irrational behaviours
  • Convulsions and loss of consciousness

Treatment:

  • Act quickly
  • Contact site first aid and plan to get the worker to a hospital, or call the emergency services
  • Take measures to cool the worker down:
    • Cooling shower
    • Spray with hose
    • Wrap in cool wet sheets
    • Use fans
    • Use air conditioning if available

Further information and guidance:

Thermal comfort
Thermal comfort checklist
Keep your top on health risks from working in the sun
Sun protection advice for outdoor workers
Heat stress

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