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Claims & Risk Management, Insights, Risk Management
Extreme Heat Advisory: How to Keep Your Team Safe
Extreme heat advisory warnings have been issued in many states. Check the National Weather Service to see how your area may be impacted and determine your level of risk: https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/
If projected temperatures in your location may put employees, customers, or operations at risk for heat-related illnesses, consider the following steps:
High Risk Alert Modification Considerations
- Ensure your heat illness policy includes clear thresholds for temperature and heat index to guide action.
- Instruct teams to watch for signs and symptoms of heat stress.
- Keep window coverings closed during daylight hours to reduce indoor heat.
- Use fans strategically to help circulate air in workspaces.
- Utilize all available air conditioning units.
- Encourage light, breathable clothing appropriate for warm weather.
- Offer hydration at regular intervals throughout the day.
- Increase hydration reminders and breaks as needed.
- Limit outdoor exposure and assign a staff member to monitor if work outside is necessary.
- Reassess any planned events or activities; reschedule or relocate if conditions are too hot.
- Evaluate the use and idle time of company vehicles, especially those without air conditioning.
- Set time limits for outdoor work like maintenance, landscaping, or deliveries.
- Post heat illness and stress awareness signage in common areas.
- Prepare contingency plans for power outages and generator use.
What to Do Now
- TRAIN – on identifying, monitoring, and responding to heat stress symptoms
- CHANGE – event plans or operational activities as needed
- MODIFY – work schedules to reduce heat exposure
- RECOGNIZE AND RESPOND – appropriately and promptly
Even if extreme heat hasn’t reached your area yet, now is the ideal time to review your Heat Illness Prevention Plan and OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention – Keeping Workers Well-Hydrated. Propel can help ensure you’re prepared with a solid plan to protect your employees and keep your operations running efficiently.
