Feeling the Heat: What Is Heat Stress and Why Should You Take It Seriously?

Let’s face it: summer on the jobsite isn't just "sweat-through-your-shirt" uncomfortable. It's a legitimate safety hazard. And no, chugging gas station iced coffee and standing in the shade of your buddy's excavator doesn't count as a heat safety plan.

Heat stress is a real danger that can sneak up faster than your boss when you're checking your phone. It happens when your body can't cool itself fast enough to maintain a safe internal temperature. This isn't just a "tough it out" situation—we're talking about risks like heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even fatalities. In fact, according to OSHA, thousands of workers become ill every year from working in the heat, and dozens tragically lose their lives. Between 1992 and 2021, 999 U.S. workers died from heat-related causes, and over 70,000 were seriously injured.

So let’s break it down.

What Is Heat Stress?

Heat stress occurs when the body can't get rid of excess heat. If your body gets too hot, it goes into overdrive trying to cool itself. Sweating helps, but when you’re working hard under the blazing sun, sometimes even that isn't enough.

When heat exposure is prolonged and intense, or if protective clothing prevents heat from escaping, the body struggles to maintain a safe core temperature. Once core body temperature rises above 100.4°F (38°C), the risk of heat-related illness increases significantly.

Types of heat-related illnesses include:

• Heat rash: A skin irritation from excessive sweating, often in hot, humid environments. While not dangerous, it can be uncomfortable and lead to infection if left untreated.

• Heat cramps: Painful muscle spasms typically caused by the loss of salts and fluids through heavy sweating. Common in arms, legs, and abdomen.

• Heat exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, fainting, and a fast heartbeat. Without intervention, it can escalate to heat stroke.

• Heat stroke: A life-threatening emergency. Symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, seizures, loss of consciousness, and core body temps above 104°F (40°C). Immediate medical attention is critical.

Risk Factors for Heat Stress

You’re especially at risk if:

• You work outside (roofers, construction crews, landscapers, utility workers, etc.).

• You wear heavy PPE or work around heat-generating equipment.

• You’re new to the job or not yet acclimatized to hot conditions.

• You don’t stay hydrated or take regular breaks.

• You consume caffeinated or sugary drinks, which can accelerate dehydration.

Prevention Starts With Awareness

For additional information, OSHA provides a detailed heat illness prevention guide here: https://www.osha.gov/heat, and the CDC offers heat safety tips and first aid recommendations at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html. These resources offer in-depth guidance on identifying and preventing heat stress in the workplace. First, know the signs. Second, act early. Third, equip your crew with the right gear and protocols. Heat stress is preventable, but only with a proactive plan.

Luckily, that’s where MC Tool & Safety comes in (cue superhero music).

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we cover essential jobsite products that help fight the heat.