Protect Your Crew: Top Heat Stress Prevention Tips for Field Teams
- On-Track Safety
- Jul 26
- 2 min read
When the temperature rises, so does the risk. Heat stress is one of the most underestimated hazards on outdoor job sites — and it can happen fast. From sun exposure and PPE layers to confined spaces and heavy equipment use, your crews are exposed to real, rising threats.
Here’s how to recognize heat-related dangers early, prevent incidents in the field, and make heat awareness part of your daily safety rhythm.
Why Heat Stress is a Summer Safety Priority
Field workers in Alberta and BC face increasing temperature swings, humid conditions, and long exposure times — especially during utility, excavation, and industrial site work. Without adequate hydration and awareness, even a fit, experienced worker can experience:
Dehydration and cramping
Confusion and dizziness
Heat exhaustion or stroke
Increased likelihood of physical mistakes or poor hazard perception
Top 5 Heat Stress Prevention Practices
1. Start Every Shift with a Heat Talk
Use a quick toolbox talk to:
Remind workers to hydrate before work begins
Encourage early symptom reporting
Review PPE adjustments for heat
Recommended Resource:
2. Hydration Protocols: More Than a Water Bottle
Set company-wide hydration standards:
Provide shaded hydration stations near work zones
Use electrolyte mixes on high-exertion days
Monitor refill breaks — not just lunch breaks
3. Rotate Crews Based on Task Load
Assign shaded rest breaks and rotate high-exertion tasks like trenching, hauling, or equipment fueling. Document break cycles in your FLHA to show due diligence.
Free Tool: [Download FLHA Template]
4. Train for Symptoms — Not Just Policies
Every field team should understand the difference between fatigue and heat illness. Our
Online Heat Stress Course walks workers through real scenarios, symptoms, and corrective action strategies they can use immediately.
5. Include Heat Planning in Job Hazard Assessments
Build heat planning into every pre-job talk. Add temperature forecasts, shaded staging areas, and nearby indoor cool zones into your daily hazard assessment routine.
Use our Hazard Assessment Template to get started.
Bonus Field Tip: Audit-Proof Your Heat Safety Plan
Many COR/SECOR audits now look for evidence of seasonal planning. Documenting heat talks, inspections, and temperature-based controls can demonstrate management commitment and hazard anticipation — two keys to audit success.
Final Reminder: Plan Now, Prevent Later
Heat-related incidents spike between June and August — don’t let your crew become part of that statistic. With the right tools, templates, and training, you can reduce risk and show visible leadership in the field.
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