May 19, 2025

Extreme heat safety: Protecting Texas' workforceEmployee hydrating

Texas summers are becoming increasingly dangerous. In 2023, heat-related deaths reached an all-time high. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there were 334 fatalities between January 1 and November 30. This number is more than double the heat-related deaths in 2011, which was previously considered the hottest summer in state history. These statistics underscore the importance of heat illness prevention methods and education for employees working in hot environments.

Planning for heat impacts

Using the heat index is an accurate reflection of how the climate will affect employees. This measure combines air temperature and relative humidity to tell us the temperature our bodies perceive. For example, if the thermometer reads 99 degrees, humidity could make it feel like 104 degrees.

The National Weather Service (NWS) HeatRisk tool is a valuable resource for planning. In addition to humidity, it considers how unusual the heat is for the season, its duration and potential health impacts on more vulnerable employees. This tool provides a color-coded forecast map that predicts the risk of heat-related illnesses within a 24-hour period, with a forecast range of 7 days. Using this tool for planning is more important than ever given the rising number of heat-related deaths.

What is heat illness?

Heat-related illnesses occur when the body becomes overheated. This happens when it can’t lose enough heat to balance what’s generated by physical work and external sources like environmental conditions. There are six types of heat-related illnesses that can affect each person differently and progress quickly.

Types of heat-related illnesses

  • Heat rash happens when the skin becomes irritated because sweat is not evaporating. The rash looks like clusters of red bumps and often occurs on the neck or upper chest.
  • Heat cramps are caused by fluid and electrolyte loss. Sweating causes a loss of body salts, and when levels are low enough, it can lead to muscle cramps or pain in the abdomen, arms or legs.
  • Heat syncope can happen after standing for extended periods of time or standing up suddenly from a seated position. It can cause fainting, dizziness or light-headedness. A lack of acclimatization and dehydration can be contributing factors.
  • Rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) occurs with heat stress and extended physical exertion, causing muscle breakdown. Symptoms include muscle cramps/pain, dark urine or weakness. If left untreated, it can result in irregular heart rhythms, seizures or kidney damage.
  • Heat exhaustion can happen after heavy sweating causes a loss of water and salt. People with heat exhaustion can experience a headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, a faster heartbeat and cool or clammy skin.
  • Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness, and it occurs when the body cannot regulate its temperature. When a person experiences a heat stroke, they can exhibit signs of confusion, lose consciousness and even hallucinate. Their body stops sweating and they may feel chills, exhibit slurred speech or have seizures. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can lead to death if not treated quickly.

What should you do when someone has heat-related illness symptoms?

If someone has signs of a heat-related illness, it’s important to:

  • Move them somewhere cool and shaded as soon as possible. Ideally, you would move them into an air-conditioned space and allow them to rest and cool off. You may need to move them under a tree or somewhere with shade until a better solution can be found.
  • Loosen any tight clothing and remove anything unnecessary such as shoes, socks, belts and personal protective equipment.
  • Apply cool cloths or cold compresses to help their body’s temperature decrease.
  • Cool down their body by fanning the person with a portable fan or any item that can be used to circulate cool air.
  • Help them drink cool water at a slow but consistent pace. It’s important to replenish fluids steadily. For less severe illnesses, such as cramps, sports drinks can also help replenish nutrients.
  • Get medical help if an employee’s heat cramps don’t subside within an hour or if any symptoms worsen. And as with any other injury or illness, don’t leave the employee to fend for themselves. Have someone take the employee to get medical attention.
  • Call 911 immediately if a person shows signs of heat stroke such as confusion, fainting or seizures. While you wait for help, follow the other tips mentioned above. Someone should remain with the employee until help arrives.

How can employees protect themselves from the sun?

These three basic tips from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) can help you prevent a heat-related illness.

  • Stay cool and stay indoors as much as possible. If you do need to be outside, try to limit your exposure to the sun and always wear sunscreen. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing along with a hat and sunglasses to block out direct sunlight.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking water consistently when working outdoors or in hot environments. The CDC recommends one cup of water every 15-20 minutes. If employees are outside for extended periods of time, sports drinks can help to balance electrolytes. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol or that are high in sugar.
  • Stay informed by checking your local weather and knowing the signs of heat-related illnesses. Use the buddy system to lookout for co-workers.

How can employers help prevent heat-related illnesses?

As an employer, it’s your responsibility to help keep your employees safe in the heat. You can use engineering controls, administrative controls, personal protective equipment (PPE) and a heat illness prevention program. The hierarchy of controls below identifies what level of protection is needed based on the heat index.

Engineering controls offer the most effective protection by eliminating the hazard at its source. Examples of engineering controls include:

  • Provide air conditioning and/or cooling fans.
  • Increase ventilation.
  • Install local exhaust ventilation, such as exhaust hoods in laundry rooms and other hot, moist workplaces.
  • Redirect heat with reflective shields.
  • Insulate hot surfaces, such as furnace walls.

Administrative controls are the second-most effective way to control heat illness. These controls change the way employees do their work to help reduce exposure to the hazard. Examples of administrative controls include:

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the least-effective control because it carries risk. PPE could be damaged, and it could give the user a false sense of security. PPE should always be your last line of defense against workplace hazards. The following are examples of PPE that can reduce heat exposure:

  • Broad-brimmed hats with neck flaps.
  • Light-colored, breathable clothing.
  • Safety glasses with tinted, polarized lenses.
  • Sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
  • Water-cooled garments, air-cooled garments, cooling vests and wetted over-garments.
  • Insulated gloves, insulated suits, reflective clothing and infrared reflecting face shields.
  • Thermally conditioned clothing, such as a garment with a self-contained air conditioner in a backpack.
  • A garment with a compressed air source that feeds cool air through a vortex tube.
  • A plastic jacket with pockets filled with dry ice or containers of ice.

Heat illness prevention programs help to document and educate your employees on:

  • The hazards of heat stress.
  • Predisposing factors, danger signs and symptoms of heat illness.
  • What to do in the event of an emergency.
  • Employee’s responsibility in avoiding heat stress.
  • The dangers of using drugs and alcohol in hot work environments.
  • How to properly use protective clothing and equipment.

For more tips on heat safety, log in to texasmutual.com and visit our safety resource center.

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