Safety in Heat
As the summer temperature begins to increase it is
important that we are all aware of the dangers associated
with sweltering temperatures.
It is important to note that colleagues who work under
the sun, especially in the summer, may be exposed to
many occupational illnesses and injuries. Heat stress can
lead to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, fainting, cramps, and
rashes. High temperatures can also lead to injuries among
workers through sweating hands and dizziness.
Types of Heat-related Illnesses
1. Heat Stroke ( Most serious)
Symptoms:
 Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech,
 Loss of consciousness (coma)
 Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating, Seizures
 Very high body temperature
 Fatal if treatment delayed
2. Heat Exhaustion (Loss of water & Salt)
Symptoms:
 Headache, Nausea, Dizziness, Weakness
 Irritability, Thirst, Heavy sweating, Elevated body
temperature and Decreased urine output
3. Heat Syncope (Fainting)
Symptoms:
 Fainting (short duration), Dizziness=
 Light-headedness during prolonged standing or
suddenly rising from a sitting or lying position.
4. Heat Cramps (Low body salt from sweating)
Symptoms:
 Muscle cramps, pain, or spasms in the abdomen,
arms, or legs.
5. Heat rash (skin irritation)
Symptoms:
 Looks like red cluster of pimples or small blisters.
Usually appears on the neck, upper chest, groin,
under the breasts, and in elbow creases.
Hotel should take the following steps to protect
colleagues from Heat-related Illnesses:
Reduce the physical demands of colleagues.
• Use relief colleagues or assign extra colleagues for
physically demanding jobs.
• Provide cool water or liquids to colleagues.
• Avoid providing drinks with large amounts of sugar.
• Provide rest periods with water breaks.
• Provide cool areas for use during break periods.
• Monitor colleagues who are at risk of heat stress.
• Ensure that the colleagues drinks at least two litres of
water every two or three hours.
Recommendations for Employees
Employees should avoid exposure to extreme heat, sun
exposure, and high humidity when possible. When these
exposures cannot be avoided, employees should take the
following steps to prevent heat stress:
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing
such as cotton:
Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing.
• Gradually build up to heavy work;
• Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day;
• Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity:
o Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible.
• Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you
never become thirsty;
• Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts
of sugar;
• Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective
equipment may increase the risk of heat stress
 Quiz SAFETY IN HEAT

1. What is the main objective of safety in heat 4. We should not monitor colleagues who are at risk
program? of heat stress?

a) Assist and guide the hotels to implement the heat

a) True
stress management program.
b) False
b) To assist the guest only.
c) To assist the colleagues only.
5. Colleagues should drinks at least one litres of
water every two or three hours?
2. Heat stroke would not result in fatality?
a) True
a) True b) False
b) False

3. Heat syncope results in light headache?

a) True
b) False

Name: ________________________________________________________
TC #: _______________________
Date: ________________________________