Heat Stress Prevention & Monitoring – June 2026 Safety Newsletter

With the arrival of summer, temperatures are rising quickly across the country. With the heat, comes an increased risk of heat stress. Heat stress occurs when the body cannot cool itself effectively, causing internal temperature to rise. High temperatures, humidity, direct sun exposure, and physical labor increase the risk. So, this is a great time to refresh ourselves on heat-related illnesses, their symptoms, and what we can do to prevent them.

Types of Heat-Related Illnesses

1. Heat Rash

• Red clusters of small blisters (sweat trapped under skin)
• Often occurs in hot, humid environments

2. Heat Cramps

• Muscle spasms (legs, arms, abdomen)
• Caused by loss of salt through sweating

3. Heat Exhaustion (Serious)

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or headache
• Cool, pale, clammy skin

4. Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency)

• Body temperature above 103°F
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Hot, dry skin (or heavy sweating)
• Rapid pulse
• Possible loss of consciousness
• Heat stroke can be fatal! Call 911 immediately!

Treatment

For Heat Exhaustion

• Move to a cooler/shaded area
• Loosen clothing
• Provide cool water (small sips)
• Apply cool compresses
• Stay with the worker and monitor

For Heat Stroke (Emergency)

• Call 911 immediately
• Move to a cool area
• Remove excess clothing
• Cool rapidly (ice packs, water, fan)
• Do NOT give fluids if unconscious

It is important to monitor yourself as well as your coworkers, as some symptoms are harder to detect in yourself. Throughout the day, pay attention to how you feel, note any changes and don’t ignore early warning signs. A great way to take care of your coworkers is by implementing the buddy system to look for behavior changes in each other throughout your shift. Supervisors should also adjust workloads and schedules as needed to accommodate proper hydration and rest breaks on high heat index days.

Signs & Symptoms to Watch For

• Excessive sweating or no sweating
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Muscle cramps
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion or irritability
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fainting

It is critical to address symptoms as soon as they occur to ensure the symptoms do not escalate to a more serious heat-related emergency. More importantly, there are simple but effective steps we can all take to prevent heat stress.

How to Prevent Heat Stress

Hydration Guidelines

• Drink water every 15–20 minutes, even if you’re not thirsty
• Avoid excessive caffeine and sugary drinks
• Use electrolyte-replacement drinks for long or intense work

Proper Clothing & PPE

• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing
• Use hats or sun protection when outdoors
• Remove unnecessary PPE when safe to do so

Work/Rest Cycles

• Take regular breaks in shaded or cooled areas
• Increase rest breaks as heat increases
• Avoid peak heat hours when possible

Acclimatization

• Gradually build up to heavy work in hot conditions
• New or returning workers are at higher risk
• Most people need 5–7 days to adjust

Worksite Controls

• Provide shade or cooling areas
• Use fans or ventilation
• Schedule heavy work earlier or later in the day

The good news is that heat stress is very preventable. Stay alert, watch out for each other, and act early. If we follow these steps, wear appropriate PPE, properly hydrate, and take proper breaks, we can ensure that everyone goes home the same way they came to work.

“Water, Rest, Shade — These simple steps save lives.”

Discussion Questions

• What early signs of heat stress have you experienced?
• Where are the nearest shaded or cooling areas on this site?
• How can we improve hydration practices here?

Pilgrim Station | Class B And Class C Waste Campaign Crew

This month, we’re proud to recognize the Pilgrim Station Class B and Class C Waste Campaign Crew as the June Crew of the Month! This tight‑knit team of five crew members and their supervisor have stepped into a highly detailed, highly regulated scope of work, and they’ve done so with professionalism, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

Over the past several weeks, the crew has been conducting inventory, performing function testing, and preparing the specialized equipment needed to package Class B and Class C waste. Despite having limited prior experience in BC waste packaging, they’ve embraced the challenge head‑on. Their ability to learn quickly, stay detail‑oriented, and maintain strict safety standards has been impressive and speaks volumes about their work ethic.

As the campaign officially kicks off in the coming weeks, this crew is already demonstrating the discipline, teamwork, and readiness required for success. Congratulations to the Pilgrim Station BC Waste Campaign Crew, keep up the great work!