Heat Illness Prevention

Heat Stress & Weather Hazards
English (NZ)

The Problem

Heat-related illness is a serious health and safety hazard, particularly in hot weather or high-temperature environments. Without proper controls, it can develop quickly and lead to serious harm. The good news? Heat-related illness is preventable. Today, we’ll cover common heat-related risks and the steps we can take to protect ourselves and our mates on site.

Identify the Hazards

  • Heat Exhaustion
     Symptoms: Heavy sweating, tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and rapid breathing.
    Risks: Can progress to heat stroke if not addressed.

  • Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency)
     Symptoms: High body temperature (39.5°C or higher), dry or hot skin, confusion, seizures, or unconsciousness.
    Risks: Can cause permanent damage or be fatal if not treated urgently.

  • Other Hazards

    • Dehydration due to insufficient water intake.
    • Overexertion in hot conditions without adequate breaks or shade.

Safety Practices and Preventative Measures

Temperature Monitoring:

  • Monitor ambient temperature and humidity regularly.
  • Refer to the heat index to assess risk.
  • Implement extra precautions when temperatures exceed 29°C.
  • Appoint someone to monitor environmental conditions and worker health.

Work/Rest Schedules:

  • Plan physically demanding work for early morning or late afternoon.
  • Rotate tasks to prevent overexertion.
  • Use structured break schedules:

    • Extreme heat: At least 15 minutes rest every hour.
    • Moderate heat: At least 30 minutes every two hours.

Water Availability:

  • Provide cool drinking water (minimum 1 litre per person per hour).
  • Place water close to work areas.
  • Remind workers to drink regularly, even if they don’t feel thirsty.
  • Avoid caffeine and energy drinks which increase dehydration risk.

Shade Requirements:

  • Provide shaded or cool areas for breaks.
  • Ensure shade is sufficient for at least 25% of the team.
  • Position shade close to where work is being done.

Acclimatisation Procedures:

  • Gradually introduce new or returning workers to hot environments over 1–2 weeks.
  • Start with lighter duties and increase gradually.
  • Monitor them closely for symptoms.

Emergency Response Plans:

  • Display and train staff on heat-related emergency response procedures.
  • Know how to recognise symptoms:

    • Heat Exhaustion: Move to shade, rest, hydrate, monitor.
    • Heat Stroke: Call 111, cool the worker immediately, and stay with them.
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  • Maintain communication systems for rapid response.

Real-Life Case or Scenario

Where possible, use an actual incident that you have experienced or been involved in.

Last summer, a worker on a roofing job ignored early signs of heat exhaustion and continued working without taking a break or hydrating. They collapsed from dehydration and were rushed to hospital. They recovered, but the incident could have been prevented with early action and proper rest breaks.

Employee Responsibilities

  • Monitor yourself and your team for signs of heat-related illness.

  • Take regular hydration and rest breaks.

  • Use provided shade and speak up if you feel unwell.

  • Report any symptoms or unsafe conditions immediately.

Employer Responsibilities

  • Provide cool drinking water, shaded rest areas, and structured breaks.

  • Train workers on the signs, symptoms, and prevention of heat illness.

  • Implement and maintain a written heat illness prevention plan.

  • Monitor weather conditions and adjust work plans accordingly.

Discussion & Questions

  • “What signs of heat stress have you seen or experienced on site?”
  • “What parts of our site get the hottest, and how can we make them safer?”
  • “What other ideas do we have to help prevent heat illness?”

Encourage sharing of ideas and past experiences to help everyone stay safe.

Commitment/Action Plan

From today forward, we commit to managing heat risks by staying hydrated, taking breaks in the shade, and looking out for early warning signs. Every team member plays a role in keeping the site safe.

Wrap-Up

Heat illness is 100% preventable. With teamwork, awareness, and good planning, we can protect everyone on site. Let’s stay sharp, speak up, and make hydration and rest a priority.

Standards Overview

WorkSafe New Zealand expects PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) to:

  • Provide access to drinking water, shade, and rest facilities.
  • Monitor environmental conditions and modify work practices accordingly.
  • Train workers to identify and respond to heat-related illnesses.
  • Comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and relevant regulations under the General Risk and Workplace Management Regulations 2016.

Disclaimer

These toolbox talks are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional legal, health and safety, or regulatory advice.

The content reflects recognised best practices and general industry standards as at the date of publication. However, it may not be applicable to all workplace environments or specific operational contexts.

It is the responsibility of the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), as well as officers, workers, and other duty holders under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and WorkSafe New Zealand guidance.

The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use or reliance on the information provided. Users should seek advice from a suitably qualified health and safety professional or legal advisor for guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.

Always follow your organisation’s policies, procedures, and safe work practices to manage risks and maintain a safe and healthy workplace.

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Last Updated:
April 28, 2025