Advice for working outside during a heatwave

Heatwaves can significantly impact horticultural workers, often spending long hours outdoors exposed to direct sunlight and high temperatures. It’s important to take precautions to protect your health, such as keeping cool, staying hydrated and limiting exposure during peak heat. 

Perennial have put together some practical tips to help keep you safe:

Hydration is Key
Drink plenty of water, especially when carrying out physical tasks outside, like mowing, planting or lifting. Go for electrolyte drinks and avoid sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Choose foods with high water content like fruit and avoid heavy, oily foods.

Wear the Right Clothing
Wear loose fitting, light-colored clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton. Protect yourself from the sun with long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats and neck coverings. Apply sunscreen (30 SPF+) every two hours.

Cooling Techniques
Use damp clothes, spray bottles or cooling towels on your neck and wrists. Taking time to cool down in shaded areas will help regulate body temperature during long outdoor shifts.

Pace Yourself
Plan work to avoid the hottest parts of the day where possible and schedule the most physically demanding tasks during early morning or late afternoon.

Work Safety With PPE
Continue to wear essential personal protective equipment (e.g gloves, boots, eye protection), but remove or loosen them during breaks, if it is safe to do so. Employers should also ensure free access to cool drinking water on-site. Use a buddy system so colleagues can monitor each other for signs of heat stress and provide additional support quickly if needed.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion (NHS)
Dizziness
Tiredness
Headache
Nausea
Legs, arms and stomach cramps

Signs of Heat Stroke (NHS)
Fast breathing & heart rate
High Temperature
Hot skin without sweating
Seizure
Loss of consciousness
Confusion and restlessness

If someone shows signs of heat exhaustion, move them to a cool shaded area, remove unnecessary clothing, and give them water or an isotonic drink. Cool their skin with ice packs or water on the neck and armpits. Call 999 if they don’t improve within 30 minutes.

Stay cool, drink plenty of water, and take regular breaks - your health comes first in a heatwave.

You can find more information on ways to stay fit and healthy when it comes to diet, hydration and sun skincare, plus a 24/7 helpline for immediate help on our free Health and Wellbeing app.