Working Safely in Triple-Digit Temperatures: Protecting Your Employees During Extreme Heat

When temperatures climb above 100°F, the risks to employees increase dramatically. For businesses across California’s Central Coast, especially those with outdoor workers, agriculture, vineyards, construction crews, landscapers, and delivery personnel, extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it can become a serious safety hazard.

Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly, making prevention, preparation, and training essential. A strong safety culture not only protects your employees but also helps reduce workplace injuries, lost productivity, and workers’ compensation claims.

Know the Signs of Heat Illness

Employees and supervisors should be familiar with the warning signs of heat-related illnesses.

Heat Exhaustion

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Cool, clammy skin

If an employee experiences these symptoms, move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area, provide cool drinking water, and monitor their condition.

Heat Stroke – A Medical Emergency

• Body temperature above 103°F
• Confusion or disorientation
• Hot, dry skin or excessive sweating
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures

Call 911 immediately if heat stroke is suspected. While waiting for emergency responders, move the individual to a cooler location and begin cooling them with cold water, ice packs, or cool towels.

Five Ways Employers Can Reduce Heat Stress

1. Encourage Frequent Hydration

Workers should drink water throughout the day—not just when they feel thirsty. Providing cool, easily accessible drinking water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent heat illness.

2. Schedule Smart

Whenever possible, complete the most physically demanding work during the cooler morning hours. Consider rotating employees through strenuous tasks to reduce prolonged heat exposure.

3. Provide Shade and Cooling Areas

Employees should have access to shaded or cooled rest areas where they can recover throughout the day. Regular cool-down breaks are especially important during periods of extreme heat.

4. Train Your Team

Make sure employees know:

• The symptoms of heat illness
• How to respond if a coworker shows signs of distress
• When to notify a supervisor
• When to seek emergency medical assistance

Training can save lives.

5. Watch New and Returning Employees

Employees who are new to working in hot conditions—or who have been away from the job for several days—are at greater risk because their bodies have not yet acclimatized to the heat. Gradually increasing workloads over several days can help reduce this risk.

California Employers Have Additional Responsibilities

California has specific workplace heat safety regulations that require employers to provide:

• Fresh drinking water
• Access to shade
• Cool-down recovery periods
• Employee and supervisor training
• Written procedures for preventing heat illness

Businesses should regularly review their heat illness prevention program to ensure they remain compliant with current Cal/OSHA requirements.

Safety Is Good Business

Protecting your employees isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about creating a workplace where people can perform their jobs safely and confidently. Investing in heat safety can reduce injuries, improve morale, minimize downtime, and help prevent costly workers’ compensation claims.

As temperatures continue to rise each summer, now is the perfect time to review your company’s safety procedures and ensure your team is prepared for extreme heat.

A proactive approach today can make all the difference tomorrow.