Workplace Strategies for Hot Weather Safety
Updated 5/22/26
What’s New
Expanded the blog from general heat safety tips to practical workplace strategies workers can use during extreme heat
Added clearer explanations of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and emergency response procedures
Included more information about hydration, cool-down breaks, and acclimatization for new workers
Added guidance on speaking up about unsafe temperatures and reporting workplace safety concerns
Strengthened the focus on union solidarity and workers protecting each other on the job
Updated the article to reflect increasing concerns around extreme heat and workplace safety
Hot weather can create serious health risks for workers, especially in warehouses, loading docks, production areas, kitchens, and outdoor jobs.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are medical emergencies. Warning signs can include dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps, confusion, fainting, or heavy sweating.
You Should Have
Easy access to cool drinking water
Rest breaks and cool-down areas
Training on heat illness symptoms
Emergency procedures for heat-related illness
Safe staffing and workloads during extreme heat
New workers and workers returning after time away may be at greater risk because the body needs time to adjust to working in high temperatures.
Watch Out for Each Other
Coworkers should watch out for each other. Heat illness can affect someone’s judgment before they realize something is wrong.
Don’t Stay Quiet About Unsafe Conditions
If temperatures become dangerous, if workers are denied water or breaks, or if someone is getting sick from the heat, call your Union Steward or Union Representative immediately. Your union can help address unsafe conditions, enforce safety protections, and push management to take action before someone gets hurt.
Speaking up about workplace safety is not complaining. It is how workers protect each other.