How to keep outdoor workers safe during hot weather

Posted on 4th Aug, 2026 | By Isobel

When the temperature rises, working outdoors can become significantly more challenging.  

While sunny weather is often welcomed, prolonged exposure to heat and UV rays can increase the risk of illness, reduce concentration, and contribute to workplace accidents. Whether your employees work in construction, landscaping, maintenance, agriculture or any other outdoor environment, taking the right precautions is essential.  

This month, we’re exploring the risks of working in hot weather, outlining your responsibilities as an employer, and sharing practical steps to help keep your workforce safe throughout the summer.  

Why hot weather can be dangerous  

Working outdoors in high temperatures places additional strain on the body. Employees can quickly become dehydrated, fatigued or suffer from heat-related illnesses, particularly when carrying out physically demanding tasks.  

Heat can also affect concentration and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of slips, trips, falls and other workplace accidents.  

The main risks include:  

• Heat exhaustion  
• Heatstroke  
• Dehydration  
• Sunburn and prolonged UV exposure  
• Fatigue and reduced alertness  

For those working at height or operating machinery, these risks become even more significant.  

Recognising the signs of heat exhaustion  

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body struggles to cool itself, often due to prolonged exposure to heat and dehydration.  

Common symptoms include:  

• Heavy sweating  
• Dizziness or light-headedness  
• Headaches  
• Muscle cramps  
• Nausea  
• Weakness or tiredness  
• Fast breathing  

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.  

Employer responsibilities  

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees.  

This includes assessing the risks associated with hot weather and putting suitable control measures in place where employees are required to work outdoors.  

A summer risk assessment should consider factors such as:  

• The nature of the work being carried out  
• Physical demands placed on employees  
• Expected temperatures and UV levels  
• Availability of shade and rest areas  
• Access to drinking water  
• Suitable PPE and clothing  

Reviewing risk assessments during periods of extreme heat helps ensure control measures remain effective.  

Practical ways to keep outdoor workers safe  

1. Encourage regular hydration  

One of the simplest ways to prevent heat-related illness is ensuring workers have easy access to cool drinking water throughout the day.  

Employees should be encouraged to drink water regularly, even if they don’t feel thirsty, as dehydration can develop quickly in hot conditions.  

2. Schedule work around the hottest part of the day  

Where possible, physically demanding tasks should be planned for the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning.  

If work must continue during peak temperatures, consider introducing more frequent breaks and rotating tasks to reduce prolonged heat exposure.  

3. Provide shade for breaks  

Workers need somewhere cool to recover from the heat.  

Temporary shelters, site cabins or naturally shaded areas can all help reduce the risk of overheating during rest breaks.  

4. Protect against UV exposure  

Even on cloudy days, UV radiation can cause skin damage.  

Employers should encourage outdoor workers to:  

• Wear long-sleeved, lightweight clothing where appropriate  
• Use wide-brimmed hats or hard hat attachments with neck protection  
• Apply high-factor sunscreen to exposed skin  
• Wear UV-protective safety glasses where required  

Reducing exposure to direct sunlight helps lower the long-term risk of skin damage and skin cancer.  

5. Choose suitable PPE

Personal protective equipment remains essential, but during warmer weather it should be appropriate for the conditions.  

Lightweight, breathable PPE that still meets relevant safety standards can improve comfort while maintaining protection.  

Employees should never remove mandatory PPE simply because temperatures are high.  

6. Train employees to spot the warning signs  

Workers should understand the symptoms of heat exhaustion and know what action to take if a colleague begins showing signs of illness.  

Encouraging employees to look out for one another can help identify problems before they become serious.  

Working at Height during hot weather  

Many outdoor roles involve working at height using ladders, scaffold towers or access equipment. Hot weather can increase the risks associated with these tasks by affecting concentration, causing fatigue and making workers more prone to mistakes.  

Before working at height during warmer conditions, employers should ensure:  

• Workers are well hydrated.  
• Equipment has been inspected before use.  
• Regular breaks are scheduled.  
• Tasks are postponed if employees become unwell or conditions become unsafe.  

Safe decision-making is particularly important when working above ground level.  

What to do if someone suffers heat exhaustion  

If someone displays symptoms of heat exhaustion:  

• Move them to a cool, shaded area.  
• Encourage them to drink water slowly.  
• Loosen unnecessary clothing.  
• Cool them using damp cloths or cool air if possible.  
• Monitor their condition closely.  

If symptoms worsen, they become confused, lose consciousness or show signs of heatstroke, call emergency services immediately.  

Preparing for future heatwaves  

With hotter summers becoming more common, businesses should plan ahead rather than reacting once temperatures rise.  

Simple measures such as reviewing risk assessments, providing appropriate training and ensuring adequate welfare facilities can greatly reduce the risks associated with outdoor working.  

By being proactive, employers not only help protect their workforce but also minimise disruption, cut accidents and uphold productivity throughout the summer months.  

Our final thoughts…  

Working outdoors during hot weather presents a range of challenges, but many of the associated risks can be effectively managed through sensible planning and good health and safety practices.  

By recognising the signs of heat-related illness, carrying out suitable risk assessments and providing workers with the support they need, employers can create a safer working environment even during the warmest months of the year.  

If you’re looking to improve workplace safety, Browns Safety Services offers a wide range of accredited health and safety training courses, including Working at Height, Manual Handling and First Aid. With qualified instructors and practical, hands-on training, we help businesses equip their teams with the knowledge and skills they need to work safely and confidently.