Prepare your school staff for working in the heat

Summer is the perfect time to train employees on heat stress and prevention. Make sure your team is ready to respond to heat-related emergencies and keep your staff and students safe.

Why heat stress training matters

Many school employees work in the heat, whether they’re living in warm climates year-round or only during certain times of the school year. High heat and humidity, plus sun exposure, can all lead to sunburn, dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. According to OSHA, 50% to 70% of outdoor fatalities that occur in the first few days of working in the heat because the body needs to acclimate.

Empower your staff with knowledge

The best step to preventing excessive heat stress is educating your employees about heat risks and having a safety plan in place. Establish a program to support workers in the heat and conduct training annually. Summer is an ideal for this training.

Staff at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, overweight, or have medical conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure. Employees who take care of facilities and perform tasks like painting, roofing, or landscaping, or athletic staff who prepare fields and spend long hours outside coaching are also at risk of developing heat stress.

Recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress

Identify heat stroke early: The most serious form of heat stress occurs when body temperature rises to 104° F or higher. Untreated, it can cause the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles to become damaged, and it can cause permanent disability or death. Symptoms include:

• High body temperature
• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
• Quick, strong pulse
• Headache, dizziness, and nausea
• Confusion and loss of consciousness

Spot heat exhaustion: This happens when body temperatures rise and you lose a large amount of water and salt by sweating. Symptoms include:

• Heavy sweating
• Cold pale, clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Fatigue or weakness
• Dizziness, headache, and fainting

Act fast: First aid for heat stress

If an employee shows signs of heat stress, relocate them to a cooler location. Use cool, wet cloths or wet their clothing to reduce body temperature. Call 911 if it’s an emergency, particularly if you suspect heat stroke.

Heat stress prevention

There are a number of things you can do to prevent heat illness. These include:

• Drinking water: Stay hydrated with cool water or non-caffeinated or caffeine-free electrolytic beverages.
• Resting frequently: Schedule regular breaks and arrange work during cooler parts of the day.
• Seek shade: Spend 15 minutes in a shaded or cool area to lower your body’s core temperature. Set up a pop-up shelter or designate an indoor cooldown area if no shade is available.
• Dress for success: Choose loose-fitting, lightweight clothing and a sun hat for protection.

By educating your staff on the dangers of heat stress and how to prevent it, you create a safer environment for everyone.