Employers need to make additional considerations to the heat index level if their workers spend the majority of their day outside in hot and humid environments (e.g. construction, agricultural workers, baggage handlers, landscaping and yard maintenance workers). How long their employees are working in direct sunlight, wearing protective clothing/impermeable suits or performing prolonged or strenuous work should all be considered.
Guidelines or policies could be established that incorporate work-to-rest cycles and fluid intake to help make sure their employees stay hydrated and are protected against heat-related hazards and illnesses. Workers new to outdoor jobs and those returning to a job after time away are particularly at risk, so it is important employers gradually increase their workload and allow for more frequent breaks so a tolerance for hot conditions can be built up.
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