Heat Health Advice for Outdoor Workers

People who work outdoors, such as those working in construction, agriculture, landscaping, utilities, etc., may be at increased risk during periods of hot weather.

Outdoor workers are exposed to heat, direct sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke and skin cancer. Outdoor workers may receive 2-3 times more UV radiation exposure than indoor workers.  

Advice for Outdoor Workers

Stay hydrate

• Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty
• Increase fluid intake during hot weather and when undertaking strenuous work
• Avoid excessive caffeine which may also cause dehydration
• Take regular breaks to drink water
• Sports drinks or electrolyte drinks may also be helpful if you have sweated a lot

Stay cool

• Where possible, schedule more physically demanding work for cooler parts of the day (early morning or evening)
• Take regular rest breaks in shaded, cooler areas, especially between 11am and 3 pm
• Be aware that high temperatures can increase fatigue and reduce concentration, potentially increasing the risk of accidents

Protect your skin from the sun

Follow the SunSmart 5Ss:

1. Slip on clothing that covers your skin, such as long sleeves, collared t-shirts.
2. Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB) with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin. Apply 20 minutes before going outside and re-apply every two hours, particularly if sweating.
3. Slap on a wide-brimmed hat, or a safety helmet fitted with a brim and neck protection where appropriate.
4. Seek shade during breaks and lunch periods, particularly between 11am and 3pm.
5. Slide on wraparound sunglasses that provide UV protection.  

 

Know the signs of heat-related illness

Early signs of heat exhaustion may include:

• Excessive sweating
• Thirst
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Fatigue

What to do: Move to a cool area, rest and drink fluids if these symptoms develop.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Call 999 and seek urgent medical attention if someone becomes confused, loses consciousness, has a seizure, or develops a very high body temperature.

Advice for Employers 

Employers have a responsibility to assess and manage risks associated with working outdoors in hot weather.

Employers should consider:

• Monitoring weather forecasts and planning work accordingly
• Rescheduling physically demanding tasks to cooler times of the day where possible
• Providing easy access to drinking water
• Encouraging regular hydration breaks
• Ensuring workers have access to appropriate protective clothing, hats, and sunscreen
• Providing information on recognising the signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Particular care may be needed for workers who:

• Have underlying health conditions
• Are pregnant
• Wear heavy or restrictive PPE
• Undertake strenuous physical work

See HSE SunSmart video link for outdoor workers  or visit www.hse.ie/sunsmart/ for more information.

The most up-to-date weather warnings are available at Met Éireann - The Irish Meteorological Service

Last Updated 23 June 2026