With record-breaking temperatures sweeping across the region, now’s the time to take heat safety seriously – especially for landscaping and contracting crews working outdoors. As an employer, protecting your team from heat-related illness isn’t just the right thing to do, it also helps you avoid costly workers’ compensation claims and keeps your business running smoothly.\
Why Heat Safety Matters
Working in extreme heat can lead to serious health risks like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In fact, heat illness is considered a workplace hazard, and employers are responsible for providing a safe environment. A single claim can result in increased workers’ comp premiums, lost productivity, and long-term health impacts for your team.
Tips to Keep Your Team Safe in the Heat
Schedule smart: Adjust work hours to avoid the hottest part of the day—typically between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. When possible, schedule heavy-duty tasks for early morning or later in the evening.
Enforce hydration breaks: Make sure workers drink water every 15 to 20 minutes even if they’re not thirsty. Provide shaded rest areas and encourage frequent breaks.
Provide heat training: Educate your crew on the signs of heat exhaustion (dizziness, headache, nausea) and heat stroke (confusion, fainting). Make sure everyone knows how to respond quickly in an emergency.
Lighten the load: Encourage lightweight, breathable clothing and provide protective gear as needed. When possible, rotate workers so the same people aren’t exposed to heat all day long.
Monitor new employees closely: New and returning workers are at greater risk of heat-related illness. Acclimate them slowly to hot conditions over their first one to two weeks on the job.
Document and follow a heat illness prevention plan: Having a written plan in place not only protects your employees, but it can also help demonstrate your commitment to safety if a workers’ comp claim arises.
Stay Covered
Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Make sure your workers’ compensation policy is up to date and that your business has the coverage it needs for extreme weather risks. If you’re not sure what’s included in your current policy, we’re happy to help review it with you.
