Heat advisory safety precautions

When a heat advisory is in effect, employees are advised to review warnings from the National Weather Service and keep the following in mind when operating during business hours. Project safety leads are asked to download and post our Extreme Heat Advisory page  for use during Operational Risk Management (ORM) meetings.

Heat Safety

• Use the Battle Buddy System: Check on teammates frequently, especially those most susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Monitor new and returning teammates closely as they acclimate to rising temperatures. Nearly three out of four heat-related fatalities occur during the first week of work.
• Recognize and Respond Quickly: If you suspect someone is suffering from a heat-related illness, move them to a shaded or cool area immediately and notify your supervisor or safety professional.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink 8 ounces of water every 15–20 minutes, or roughly 32 ounces per hour. Hydration begins before the workday and continues throughout the day.
• Dress Smart: Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors that absorb heat.
• Support Cooling Efforts: Ensure coolers are stocked with ice and water and monitor employee hydration throughout the day. Consider providing electrolyte supplements, Sqwincher packs, or popsicles at project sites.
• Provide and Monitor Shade Access: Ensure shade is available and accessible throughout the workday. Implement proper work-rest cycles based on temperature and ensure workers are taking scheduled breaks.

Preparation for Working in Heat

• Drink water consistently. Alternate between water and electrolyte beverages as needed.
• Get 7–9 hours of sleep each night. A lack of sleep can increase the risk of heat exhaustion.
• Stretch before work to improve blood flow and reduce physical strain.
• Limit caffeine consumption. Excessive caffeine, especially from energy drinks, can increase heart rate, mask fatigue, and place additional stress on the body during hot working conditions.
• Eat regular meals to support hydration and replenish electrolytes. Sports drinks can help replace electrolytes lost through sweating.
• Avoid dehydrating substances. Alcohol and certain medications, like diuretics, can increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness.

Work-Rest Cycles

Work-rest cycles are determined by the on-site Safety Professional and/or Superintendent based on the current heat index. Employees should be notified when work-rest cycles are implemented.

Heat Index Rest Standard Operating Procedure

First Aid Measures

Watch for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and act quickly.

The following symptoms may indicate a heat-related medical emergency requiring immediate emergency response.

Best Practices

Utilize available cooling resources such as cooling trailers and hydration tents. Encourage the use of personal cooling items like cooling towels, sun sombreros, and Milwaukee HH cooling liners to help regulate body temperature and protect against direct sun exposure.

Employees can find M.C. Dean’s inclement weather policy here. This National Weather Service guidance applies to all outdoor work conditions.

Resources

• M.C. Dean Extreme Heat Advisory Page
• OSHA Heat Illness Prevention
• OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Controls
• National Weather Service
• American Red Cross
• CDC
• FEMA
• National Safety Council