Coping with heatwaves at work: 10 best practices

1-Stay hydrated: Drinking water frequently, even when you're not thirsty, is essential. Bottles, water fountains or drinking water on worksites must therefore be readily available. The French Ministry of Labour recommends 3 litres of water per day per worker in the construction and public works sector.

2-Take more frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas, where the air is renewed.

3-Install cooling systems where possible: air conditioners, blinds, solar protection films, misters.

4-Protect yourself from the heat and UV rays with light, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing. Cover your head with a wide-brimmed cap, wear sunglasses and, if possible, apply sun cream to unprotected areas.

5-Reorganise work: adjust schedules, work rates, staff rotas and tasks to avoid prolonged physical exertion during the hottest part of the day.

6-Pay attention to employees who are most vulnerable because of their age or health problems.

7-Inform employees about the symptoms of heatstroke: headaches, dizziness, rapid pulse and breathing, vomiting, disorientation, even loss of consciousness.

8-Train employees in first aid if they or one of their colleagues is suffering because of the heat. Stop all physical effort, move into the shade in a ventilated area, drink and call for help if you lose consciousness. 

9-Encourage teamwork so that workers can detect heat stroke in one another or call on a colleague if they feel unwell.

10-Disseminate these instructions to all employees via posters, newsletters, briefings before each worksite, etc.