SOS Heat: emergency kit for working in hot weather

1. How hot is too hot?

An excessively warm work environment is not only uncomfortable and bad for productivity; it can also be a health hazard (risk of dehydration or heatstroke). Particularly for employees with specific medical conditions such as heart problems or diabetes.

The way in which people cope with heat not only depends on the air temperature, but also on factors such as humidity and solar radiation. And the type of activity they are carrying out.

That is why we use the WBGT index to determine the action thresholds for working in hot weather, for different levels of physical exertion.

WBGT = Wet Bulb Globe Temperature

The WBGT index is measured using a specialised WBGT meter, which takes into account air temperature, humidity and radiant heat from, for example, the sun or nearby installations. Please note: this value is not a temperature, and may differ significantly from the air temperature shown on a standard thermometer!

If the action thresholds are exceeded, you must take a number of measures, such as:

• installing a ventilation system

• providing sunshades in the event of direct exposure to the sun

• temporarily reducing the physical workload or adjusting working hours to limit exposure to the heat

• providing extra breaks during extreme heat

• allowing suitable clothing (heat-reflective clothing, e.g. shorts and T-shirt if possible)

• providing free refreshing drinks

Of course, you can’t know in advance when the action thresholds will be exceeded. And the heat in the workplace can already feel very uncomfortable before the index is exceeded. That’s why it is a good idea to draw up a preventive heat plan and to decide when it should be activated.

Optional: preventive heat plan

What does a heat plan contain? The heat plan sets out the mandatory measures mentioned above. You can supplement these with additional measures tailored to your company, such as:

• Allowing employees to start work earlier and adjusting their working hours in accordance with summer temperatures.

• Planning the work so that the most strenuous (physical) work is carried out early in the morning or late in the evening, or postponing it until it becomes cooler.

• Avoiding unnecessary strenuous work or travel whenever possible and temporarily allowing a slower working speed.

• Keeping sun blinds closed to prevent a building from heating up at daybreak.

• Informing your employees about how to recognise the signs of, for example, heatstroke and dehydration.

• Employees with specific medical conditions, such as heart problems and diabetes, or pregnant employees, may be affected more by the heat. Talk to them to find out if anything else might be helpful.

2. Protect your employees against UV radiation

Do your employees work outdoors? In that case, you need to take the UV index into account. Employees who work outdoors are twice as likely to develop skin cancer, which is mainly caused by UV radiation. However, you can easily prevent it by taking the right measures. In a nutshell: protection – clothing – sunscreen!

• Protection: avoid the sun; make sure there is (extra) shade.

• Clothing: provide UV-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, etc.

• Sunscreen: apply sun cream (every 2 hours), it’s your best friend.

ℹ️ Want to know more about the effects of UV rays?
Read all about it on our blog and test your knowledge with our quiz.

3. Beware of the risk of fire

Do you work with flammable or hazardous substances? Keep them out of the heat and follow these tips:

• Ensure there is adequate ventilation.

• Check the temperature regularly and set an alarm if necessary.

• Use fire-resistant cabinets or storage containers for hazardous substances.

• Do you store equipment outdoors? Protect it with a reflective cover.

• Make sure you have clear emergency procedures in place in case things do go wrong and a fire breaks out.

• Does your company apply a summer regime? Check all electrical equipment and batteries. Switch off all electrical equipment if possible and unplug them from the socket.

ℹ️ Read more here about fire safety in the workplace during the summer.

4. Insects: tiny creatures, some of which have major consequences

When you hear ‘summer’, you’re bound to think of insects. And anyone who works outdoors is more likely to be bitten by insects such as ticks, wasps or bees. This does not always have major consequences, but it can sometimes lead to serious health problems. So that’s a risk you should definitely bear in mind.

Tick bites

Ticks are small, spider-like creatures that attach themselves to the skin of animals and humans to suck blood. They do this by dropping from bushes, ferns or tall grass. They lie in wait not only in woods, but also in parks, gardens, meadows and verges. The higher the temperature, the more active they are. So you need to be twice as careful in spring and summer, as a tick bite can potentially lead to Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis (which can cause inflammation of the brain or meninges).

Protect your employees who work outdoors:

• Ensure they wear protective clothing (long sleeves and trousers tucked into your socks).

• Choose light-coloured clothing, as this makes it easier to spot a tick.

• Ensure they stick to marked paths as much as possible.

• Is their skin exposed? Agents such as DEET 40 or 50% and tea tree oil can repel ticks. Please note: pregnant women should not use high-concentration DEET.

• After work, they must check their body for ticks, especially in warm areas such as the armpits, groin and the backs of the knees.

What if you find a tick? Remove it correctly as soon as possible and keep an eye out for any symptoms in the weeks that follow.

ℹ️ As infection with the virus is rare in Belgium, it is not currently necessary to be vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis. If an employee is travelling to a high-risk area (Central and Eastern Europe), the vaccine is recommended.

Wasp and bee stings

Wasp or bee stings usually cause localised redness and swelling. That reaction is quite harmless, but can be painful. With proper care straight away, a doctor's intervention is not usually necessary and the swelling will most likely disappear after a few hours. What if more severe symptoms occur? Contact a doctor as soon as possible.

You can reduce the risk of being stung by raising employees’ awareness with these tips:

• stay calm if a wasp or bee gets close

• avoid perfumed products

• don’t drink straight from a can or bottle outdoors without checking it first

• let your colleagues and employer know if you have an allergy, and always carry an EpiPen with you

ℹ️ Want to know more about allergic reactions in the workplace?
Read here to find out what you need to do.

5. Don’t forget to eat and drink

A hot day at work places greater demands on the body, especially for those working outdoors. More energy, more fluids, more nutrients. Drinking plenty of water and sticking to a healthy diet already goes a long way to protecting your body against the negative effects of heat.

Water, and the rest will follow

Staying hydrated helps combat the heat. Therefore, ensure that employees always have access to fresh drinking water or other unsweetened, non-carbonated drinks. An insulated water bottle helps to keep drinks cool for longer.

A tip for your employees: don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink, as thirst is a sign that your body is already dehydrated. A handy tip is to take a bottle of water with you that is (partially) frozen. Although the ice melts as the day goes on, the water stays lovely and cool even in the afternoon.

Smart lunch

You’re better off leaving that sandwich at home. And mayonnaise isn’t the best idea either when temperatures are soaring. Use a fridge or a bag with ice packs, or place your lunch in a shady spot if no refrigeration is available.

Sandwiches or a salad? It’s best to choose foods that can withstand high temperatures, such as:

• hard cheeses

• salami or other cooked meat products

• jam

And preferably not:

• mayonnaise

• eggs

• cream cheese

• ready-made salads

• raw fish or meat

What about coffee?

Coffee and soft drinks are no substitute for water. You can, of course, drink them throughout the day, but plenty of water remains the best way to quench your thirst when working in hot weather. A hydrating drink, such as an isotonic sports drink, can help during periods of increased physical exertion.

6. Thunderstorms and extreme weather

After rain comes sunshine, but in summer it’s often the other way round. A spell of hot weather is often followed by heavy thunderstorms. Is a storm on the way? Get ready with these tips:

• Keep an eye on the weather and be extra vigilant when the RMI issues warnings.

• Postpone any high-risk work. Working at a height, on scaffolding or with cranes and other lifting equipment can be unsafe in strong winds or during a thunderstorm.

• Seek shelter in good time. During a thunderstorm, a building or a car is the safest place to be. Avoid open fields, sheltering under tall trees or metal structures.

• Secure equipment and installations. Strong winds and heavy rain can cause loose materials, signage or tools to be blown away, creating dangerous situations.