Summer Safety in Louisiana: Tested Tools to Beat the Heat

Louisiana summers are notoriously hot. From June to September, the state experiences average high temperatures in excess of 90 degrees Fahrenheit – which can feel as high as 120 degrees when combined with humidity.

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For employees who work outdoors or in settings that require extensive personal protective equipment (PPE), the threat of excessive heat poses serious health risks, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.

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For employers, protecting workers from excessive heat is an essential part of maintaining a safe and productive work environment. Proper hydration, access to shaded or air-conditioned recovery areas, employee education, and heat acclimatization plans all play a critical role in reducing heat-related illnesses and preventing avoidable workers’ comp claims.

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The need for preparation is especially important for new and returning workers. Nearly three out of four heat-related workplace fatalities occur during the first week on the job, and heat-exposure injuries resulted in more than 5,000 missed workdays in 2023–2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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By taking proactive steps before temperatures peak, businesses can help employees stay safe, healthy, and prepared to work through Louisiana’s hottest months.

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‍Stay Hydrated. Stay Safe.

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The best way to beat the summer heat and avoid heat-related stress is to stay properly hydrated, drinking plenty of water, even before beginning to feel thirsty.

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Good Habits for Working in Excessive Heat:  

• Drink water before, during, and after physical labor to replace body fluids lost in sweating

• Always keep a cooler or bottle of water nearby

• Track your water intake and aim to drink 8 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes

• Drink a glass of water with every meal or snack

• Sports drinks are also an option, as they can often help replenish the body’s electrolytes.  

What to Avoid:

• Coffee, tea, or soda can act as diuretics, further depleting your body of fluids

• Many energy drinks contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine, which can do more damage to your heart with the added heat strain on your body

• Alcohol can cause accelerated dehydration, especially when consumed within 24 hours of working in the heat

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Don't Just Hydrate, Acclimate

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A heat acclimatization plan works to gradually increase an individual’s heat tolerance by progressively increasing the time or intensity of work performed in hot conditions over a period of several days. Workers who are better acclimated to high temperatures experience less strain on their heart and other vital organs, and their bodies become more efficient at cooling by producing more sweat.

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However, heat tolerance begins to decline after just one week away from work, and it will return to baseline after about a month. Therefore, it is critically important that workers reacclimate following any extended period of time away from the job.

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Heat acclimatization plans should be specific to each employee and should also take into account their amount of previous experience on the job and how long they have been away from the job. The CDC recommends the following steps:

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New Workers

• Day 1: Allow full-intensity work in the heat for no more than 20% of their shift

• Day 2-5: Increase work time by 20% each day until they reach full exposure

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Experienced Workers

• Day 1: Allow full intensity work in the heat for no more than 50% of their shift

• Day 2: Increase work time to 60%

• Day 3: Increase work time to 80%

• Day 4: Increase work time to 100%

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Protect Your Skin

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Applying sunblock and wearing proper attire can help reduce the risk of heat-related health hazards such as heat rash, cramps, exhaustion, and - in extreme cases -heatstroke. Common symptoms and treatments for various heat-related conditions include:

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Sunburn

• Symptoms: Red skin, pain, blisters, or - in extreme cases - fever and headache

• Treatment: Apply approved ointments for mild cases; seek medical attention in severe cases

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Heat Rash

• Symptoms: “Prickly,” painful skin rash caused by clogged sweat ducts

• Treatment: Rest in a cool place, bathe in cool water, and dry skin thoroughly

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Heat Cramps

• Symptoms: Painful spasms in the legs or abdomen, often accompanied by heavy sweating

• Treatment: Apply firm pressure or gently massage the cramped muscle; drink plenty of water

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Heat Exhaustion

• Symptoms: Sweating, clammy skin, weakness, fatigue, slightly elevated body temperature, headache, disorientation

• Treatment: Move to a cool place (preferably with a fan or AC), apply a cool cloth, drink fluids, and consider seeking medical attention if symptoms do not improve

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Heatstroke

• Symptoms: Hot, dry, red or spotted skin, extremely high body temperature, confusion, convulsions, loss of consciousness

• Treatment: Move to a cool place and immediately seek medical attention  

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Additional Tools for Workplace Heat Safety

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LWCC recommends using the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool to help monitor the local heat index and plan accordingly. The tool's features include a location-based visual representation of the heat index and risk levels, hourly forecasts, precautionary recommendations based on current conditions, and heat-related illness signs, symptoms, and first aid protocols.

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Learn more and download the Heat Safety Tool here.

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Heat exposure is a necessary component of many jobs. However, with the appropriate tools and precautions to protect against heat-related illness, fatalities, accidents, and injuries, businesses can help employees complete their work safely and efficiently.

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