A proactive safety program is the best way to reduce the risk of work-related accidents, avoid employee injuries, lost time, and prevent Workers’ Comp claims–which in turn, increases employee morale and productivity.
As employers in the heat of Texas summer, it’s crucial to roll out a safety prevention initiative to remind employees to be mindful of heat illness and water breaks. We recommend displaying heat illness prevention posters and water break reminders in your facility and break rooms.
What you can do?
Exposure to these heat conditions can cause heat stroke, exhaustion, and even death. Heat-related illnesses are preventable.
- Stay in places with air conditioning or near fans as much as possible.
- Wear light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing.
- STAY HYDRATED and avoid heavy labor in peak heat
- Take frequent breaks.
Heat illness prevention
An employee performing outdoor work began to feel overheated. They started vomiting and lost consciousness, prompting co-workers to call for emergency help right away. In a separate incident, an employee working outside told their crew they were not feeling well. They were told to stop working and take a break. After realizing the employee had not returned, the crew found them unconscious and took them to the hospital.
Heat-related illnesses can escalate quickly, and the early warning signs are often easy to dismiss as simply feeling tired or unwell. Once symptoms progress to vomiting, confusion or loss of consciousness, the situation becomes an emergency. Acting on the first signs of heat illness can make the difference between a quick recovery and a life-threatening outcome.
