--- title: How to Stay Safe While Working Outdoors in the Heat description: Learn how to help your employees that are working outdoors in the heat stay safe and prevent workplace injuries. image: https://blog.beaconmutual.com/hubfs/Summer%20Heat%20Blog%201140x546.webp --- [Skip to Main Content](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/how-to-stay-safe-working-outdoors-heat#body-content) - [Make a Payment](https://www.beaconmutual.com/payments/) - [Report an Injury](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/report-an-injury/) - [Contact](https://www.beaconmutual.com/contact/) - [Careers](https://www.beaconmutual.com/about/careers/) - [Help](https://help.beaconmutual.com/) [Online Portal Login](https://www.beaconmutual.com/portal) [![Beacon Mutual](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/hubfs/Beacon_Mutual_v2_Files/logo.svg)](https://www.beaconmutual.com) - [Employers](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/how-to-stay-safe-working-outdoors-heat#0) Show submenu for "Employers" - [Policyholders](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/how-to-stay-safe-working-outdoors-heat#0) - [Report an Injury](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/report-an-injury/) - [Manage Claims](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/manage-claims/) - [Why Beacon Mutual?](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/why-beacon-mutual/) - [Massachusetts Coverage](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/massachusetts/) - [Connecticut Coverage](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/connecticut-coverage/) - [Small Business](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/small-business/) - [Workers’ Compensation 101](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/wc101/) - [Premium Audit](https://www.beaconmutual.com/premium-audit/) - [Beacon Pay As You Go (PYG)](https://www.beaconmutual.com/pyg/) - [Temp and Leasing Agencies](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/temp-agencies/) - [Recursos en Español](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/ayudandole-a-mejorar/) - [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/employer-faq/) - [Get Insurance](https://www.beaconmutual.com/get-started/) - [It's easy to get workers' compensation for Rhode Island, Massachusetts, or Connecticut business. Get a BeaQuick Quote and connect with an agent. Get Insurance](https://www.beaconmutual.com/get-started/) - [Safety Center](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/how-to-stay-safe-working-outdoors-heat#0) - [Safety Services](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/safety-services/) - [Safety Training & Resources](https://www.beaconmutual.com/safety-training/) - [Ergonomic Services](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/ergonomic-services/) - [Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/saw-rtw/) - [Case Studies](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/case-studies/) - [Loss Prevention Documents](https://help.beaconmutual.com/how-to-access-loss-prevention-documents) - [Safety FAQ](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/safety-faq/) - [Industry Expertise](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/industry-expertise/) - [We have the expertise to provide workers' comp services to a variety of industries in RI, MA, and CT. We understand your business and know how to protect your people. Find Your Industry](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/industry-expertise/) - [Workers](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/how-to-stay-safe-working-outdoors-heat#0) Show submenu for "Workers" - [Workers](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/how-to-stay-safe-working-outdoors-heat#0) - [What to Expect After a Work Injury](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/workers-what-to-expect-after-a-work-injury/) - [Find a Doctor (PPN)](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/find-a-doctor/) - [Fill a Prescription](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/fill-a-prescription/) - [Safety Services](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/safety-services/) - [Worker FAQ](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/worker-faq/) - [Recursos en Español](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/ayudandole-a-mejorar/) - [Medical Providers](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/medical-providers/) - [Our team works closely with the state’s medical providers to deliver the appropriate care to injured workers. Learn More](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/medical-providers/) - [Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/saw-rtw/) - [Our program helps injured workers return to work safely, by assisting the employer in providing modified duties and support through the recovery process. Learn More](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/saw-rtw/) - [Agents](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/how-to-stay-safe-working-outdoors-heat#0) Show submenu for "Agents" - [Agents Overview](https://www.beaconmutual.com/agents/) - [Coverage in MA & CT](https://www.beaconmutual.com/agents/coverage-ma-ct/) - [Become Approved Agency](https://www.beaconmutual.com/agents/agency-approval-process/) - [Agency Toolbox](https://help.beaconmutual.com/agency-toolbox-training) - [Agent FAQ](https://www.beaconmutual.com/agents/agent-faq/) - [Get Insurance](https://www.beaconmutual.com/get-started/) - [News & Insights](https://blog.beaconmutual.com) - [About](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/how-to-stay-safe-working-outdoors-heat#0) Show submenu for "About" - [Who We Are](https://www.beaconmutual.com/about/who-we-are/) - [Leadership](https://www.beaconmutual.com/about/the-beacon-team/) - [Careers](https://www.beaconmutual.com/about/careers/) - [Total Rewards Program](https://www.beaconmutual.com/about/join-our-team/) - [Community Relations](https://www.beaconmutual.com/about/community-relations/) - [The Beacon Foundation](https://www.beaconmutual.com/the-beacon-foundation/) - [Employers](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/how-to-stay-safe-working-outdoors-heat#0) Show submenu for "Employers" - [Policyholders](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/how-to-stay-safe-working-outdoors-heat#0) - [Report an Injury](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/report-an-injury/) - [Manage Claims](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/manage-claims/) - [Why Beacon Mutual?](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/why-beacon-mutual/) - [Massachusetts Coverage](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/massachusetts/) - [Connecticut Coverage](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/connecticut-coverage/) - [Small Business](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/small-business/) - [Workers’ Compensation 101](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/wc101/) - [Premium Audit](https://www.beaconmutual.com/premium-audit/) - [Beacon Pay As You Go (PYG)](https://www.beaconmutual.com/pyg/) - [Temp and Leasing Agencies](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/temp-agencies/) - [Recursos en Español](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/ayudandole-a-mejorar/) - [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/employer-faq/) - [Get Insurance](https://www.beaconmutual.com/get-started/) - [It's easy to get workers' compensation for Rhode Island, Massachusetts, or Connecticut business. Get a BeaQuick Quote and connect with an agent. Get Insurance](https://www.beaconmutual.com/get-started/) - [Safety Center](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/how-to-stay-safe-working-outdoors-heat#0) - [Safety Services](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/safety-services/) - [Safety Training & Resources](https://www.beaconmutual.com/safety-training/) - [Ergonomic Services](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/ergonomic-services/) - [Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/saw-rtw/) - [Case Studies](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/case-studies/) - [Loss Prevention Documents](https://help.beaconmutual.com/how-to-access-loss-prevention-documents) - [Safety FAQ](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/safety-faq/) - [Industry Expertise](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/industry-expertise/) - [We have the expertise to provide workers' comp services to a variety of industries in RI, MA, and CT. We understand your business and know how to protect your people. Find Your Industry](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/industry-expertise/) - [Workers](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/how-to-stay-safe-working-outdoors-heat#0) Show submenu for "Workers" - [Workers](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/how-to-stay-safe-working-outdoors-heat#0) - [What to Expect After a Work Injury](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/workers-what-to-expect-after-a-work-injury/) - [Find a Doctor (PPN)](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/find-a-doctor/) - [Fill a Prescription](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/fill-a-prescription/) - [Safety Services](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/safety-services/) - [Worker FAQ](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/worker-faq/) - [Recursos en Español](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/ayudandole-a-mejorar/) - [Medical Providers](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/medical-providers/) - [Our team works closely with the state’s medical providers to deliver the appropriate care to injured workers. Learn More](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/medical-providers/) - [Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/saw-rtw/) - [Our program helps injured workers return to work safely, by assisting the employer in providing modified duties and support through the recovery process. Learn More](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/saw-rtw/) - [Agents](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/how-to-stay-safe-working-outdoors-heat#0) Show submenu for "Agents" - [Agents Overview](https://www.beaconmutual.com/agents/) - [Coverage in MA & CT](https://www.beaconmutual.com/agents/coverage-ma-ct/) - [Become Approved Agency](https://www.beaconmutual.com/agents/agency-approval-process/) - [Agency Toolbox](https://help.beaconmutual.com/agency-toolbox-training) - [Agent FAQ](https://www.beaconmutual.com/agents/agent-faq/) - [Get Insurance](https://www.beaconmutual.com/get-started/) - [News & Insights](https://blog.beaconmutual.com) - [About](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/how-to-stay-safe-working-outdoors-heat#0) Show submenu for "About" - [Who We Are](https://www.beaconmutual.com/about/who-we-are/) - [Leadership](https://www.beaconmutual.com/about/the-beacon-team/) - [Careers](https://www.beaconmutual.com/about/careers/) - [Total Rewards Program](https://www.beaconmutual.com/about/join-our-team/) - [Community Relations](https://www.beaconmutual.com/about/community-relations/) - [The Beacon Foundation](https://www.beaconmutual.com/the-beacon-foundation/) - [Make a Payment](https://www.beaconmutual.com/payments/) - [Report an Injury](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/report-an-injury/) - [Contact](https://www.beaconmutual.com/contact/) - [Careers](https://www.beaconmutual.com/about/careers/) - [Help](https://help.beaconmutual.com/) [Online Portal Login](https://www.beaconmutual.com/portal) June 04, 2024 | [Safety News](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/tag/safety-news) # How to Stay Safe While Working Outdoors in the Heat ![worker staying safe in summer heat](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/hubfs/Summer%20Heat%20Blog%201140x546.webp) As the summer sun intensifies, it becomes essential for outdoor workers to ensure their safety and health in high temperatures. In Rhode Island and the surrounding areas, summer heat can present serious risks, leading to heat-related illnesses if precautions aren't followed. This blog offers practical advice and guidelines, along with key safety resources from Beacon Mutual, to help you stay protected while working in the heat. ### Recognize the Dangers of Extreme Heat Many heat-related illnesses and fatalities can be prevented with the right knowledge and actions. - **Identify symptoms early:** Use the [OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool](https://www.osha.gov/heat/heat-app) to have critical safety information and symptoms of heat-related illnesses accessible on your phone. - **Understand heat-related conditions:** Learn about [heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other risks](https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-illness).  [![heat-symptoms-2022-final](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/hs-fs/hubfs/heat-symptoms-2022-final.webp?width=1920&height=1080&name=heat-symptoms-2022-final.webp)](https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-illness) ### Prepare for Hot Weather - **Stay updated:** Regularly check weather forecasts and be aware of any heat advisories. - **Stay hydrated:** Drink ample water before, during, and after work. The [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/enews/enewsv20n3.html?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_10_4-DM85388&ACSTrackingLabel=NIOSH%20eNew%20July%202022&deliveryName=USCDC_10_4-DM85388#director) suggests drinking about 1 cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes for work lasting less than 2 hours, and sports drinks with electrolytes for extended periods of sweating. - **Choose the right clothing:** Opt for lightweight, breathable, and light-colored clothes to reflect sunlight and help with sweat evaporation. - **Protect against sun exposure:** Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and wear UV-protective sunglasses to lower skin cancer risk.  [Learn simple steps to reduce your risk for skin cancer](https://info.beaconmutual.com/skin-cancer).  ### Implement Smart Work Habits for Hot Conditions - **Plan work wisely:** Whenever possible, schedule tasks to avoid the hottest parts of the day. - **Take frequent breaks:** Ensure regular rest in shaded or air-conditioned areas to cool down. - **Team up:** Work in pairs or groups to monitor each other for signs of heat-related issues. - **Pace yourself:** Adjust your workload and pace to reduce strain in extreme heat. ### Respond to Heat-Related Emergencies - **Know the signs:** Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat-related conditions. - **Act quickly:** Learn appropriate first aid responses and understand when to seek medical assistance. - **Stay prepared:** Know where first aid kits and emergency contact numbers are located. ### Resources: - OSHA has launched a [Heat Illness Prevention campaign](https://www.osha.gov/heat/index.html), Water-Rest-Shade, which educates employers and workers on the dangers of working in the heat. Visit the site to learn more about heat-related illness symptoms, obtain education and training materials, and videos, and download the [OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool](https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/21_0929_cbp_heat-safety-tool-app.pdf) (HST) Smartphone App. The HST app provides weather information, heat index, risk factors, heat illness symptoms, and first aid measures. - [National Council for Occupational Safety and Health](https://www.coshnetwork.org/climate-justice)'s Outdoor & Indoor Workers Demand Protection to Beat the Heat campaign. - [Beat the Heat](https://info.beaconmutual.com/beat-the-heat), the Beacon Mutual safety alert provides information to avoid the dangers of summer heat by following the prevention tips and learning the signs of heat stress. ### Visit the Safety Library to access free safety resources available to all Beacon policyholders and clients. [![Visit Safety Library](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5115678/daba1106-fbb8-45c3-ac0d-c8f18e907724.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5115678/daba1106-fbb8-45c3-ac0d-c8f18e907724) ![Beacon Mutual](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/hubfs/BeaconMutual_symbol_color.png) Written by Beacon Mutual Focused on What Matters Most... Protecting Your People - [Employers](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers) - [Get Insurance](https://www.beaconmutual.com/get-started/) - [Industry Expertise](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/industry-expertise/) - [Case Studies](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/case-studies/) - [Beacon Pay As You Go](https://www.beaconmutual.com/pyg/) - [Workers](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/) - [What to Expect](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/workers-what-to-expect-after-a-work-injury/) - [Worker FAQ](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/worker-faq/) - [Medical Providers](https://www.beaconmutual.com/workers/medical-providers/) - [Stay/Return-to-Work Program](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/saw-rtw/) - [Agents](https://www.beaconmutual.com/agents/) - [Agency Toolbox](https://beaconnect.beaconmutual.com/information/Pages/Agency-Toolbox.aspx) - [Agent FAQ](https://www.beaconmutual.com/agents/agent-faq/) - [Become an Approved Agency](https://www.beaconmutual.com/agents/agency-approval-process/) - [About](https://www.beaconmutual.com/about/) - [Who We Are](https://www.beaconmutual.com/about/who-we-are/) - [The Beacon Team](https://www.beaconmutual.com/about/the-beacon-team/) - [Community Relations](https://www.beaconmutual.com/about/community-relations/) - [The Beacon Foundation](https://www.beaconmutual.com/the-beacon-foundation/) - [More](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/how-to-stay-safe-working-outdoors-heat#0) - [Online Portal Login](https://www.beaconmutual.com/portal/) - [Make a Payment](https://www.beaconmutual.com/payments/) - [Report an Injury](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/report-an-injury/) - [Report Fraud](https://www.beaconmutual.com/fight-fraud/) - [Utility](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/how-to-stay-safe-working-outdoors-heat#0) - [Contact](https://www.beaconmutual.com/contact/) - [FAQ](https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/employer-faq/) - [Careers](https://www.beaconmutual.com/about/careers/) - [News & Insights](https://www.beaconmutual.com/news-insights/) © 2026 Beacon Mutual. All Rights Reserved. - [Terms of Use and Privacy Policy](https://www.beaconmutual.com/terms-privacy-statement/) - [![LinkedIn](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/hubfs/Beacon_Mutual_v2_Files/social_linkedin.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/beacon-mutual-insurance) - [![Twitter](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/hubfs/Beacon_Mutual_v2_Files/social_twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/beaconmutual/) - [![Instagram](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/hubfs/Beacon_Mutual_v2_Files/social_instagram.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/beaconmutual/) - [![Facebook](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/hubfs/Beacon_Mutual_v2_Files/social_facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/beaconmutual) - [![Youtube](https://blog.beaconmutual.com/hubfs/Beacon_Mutual_v2_Files/social_youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/@beaconmutual) [Website Design](http://www.jumpingjackrabbit.com) by [Jackrabbit](http://www.jumpingjackrabbit.com)