Cool Down & Drink Up To Beat Maine Heat
While most Mainers don’t associate our state with extreme heat, hot days are increasingly more common, and it is important to be prepared. Working in hot conditions can quickly become dangerous, leading to serious and costly illnesses, especially for new workers or when the hot weather comes on suddenly and our bodies are not used to it.
Cool Down & Drink Up to Beat Maine Heat: The Maine CDC is working to keep everyone in Maine safe from hot conditions. Learn how to prevent serious illness so you can stay safe and on your feet. Download Employer Guidance for Protecting Outdoor Workers from Extreme Heat (PDF).
Request a free, personalized consultation from SafetyWorks! to address your small (or large) business’ specific needs. Call 207-623-7900 or email general.bls-safetyworks@maine.gov
To receive printed copies of any materials, please email climatehealth.cdc@maine.gov
For questions about this project, call 207-287-4311.
Why worry about workers when it is hot?
- Some Jobs are Hotter than Others: Many workers are exposed to high heat on the job all the time (examples: bakery workers, boiler room workers, factory workers). People who work outside are at risk when the weather is really hot (examples: farmers, construction workers).
- Heavy Work Means Extra Risk: When it is hot out, people with jobs that require heavy, physical work are more at risk for heat illness.
- Duty Calls: Work duties may prevent workers from taking frequent rest breaks, using air conditioning, drinking enough fluids, staying out of the sun, or wearing loose and lightweight clothing.
What Workers Can Do
- Remember these simple words: Cool Down and Drink Up
- Cool Down: Your body needs recovery periods. Take frequent breaks in the shade or in a cooler location. Use fans, ice towels, or mist to cool down.
- Drink Up: Every 15 minutes drink 1 cup of fluids like water, or drinks that have electrolytes and other nutrients, like sports drinks. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. Sip water throughout the day, including before and after your shift.
- Acclimate Slowly: Your body needs to build up a tolerance to working in high heat. Gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks during the first week of hot weather -- or the first week of work if you are new to working in the heat or have been away from work for a week or more.
- Recognize: Know how to recognize heat illness. Monitor yourself and others when it is hot. Contact a supervisor right away if you or anyone else shows signs of heat illness. If a supervisor is not available, call 911.
Tips for Employers
- Adjust work schedules to provide workers with breaks from the heat.
- Postpone non-essential tasks or reschedule to the cooler part of the day.
- Provide cool rest areas as well as shade and water for workers.
- Ensure workers are drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated.
- Allow workers time to adjust to the hot environment.
- Train workers and supervisors to recognize heat illness and how to prevent it.
- Order training materials from MEMIC