If your business relies on outdoor workers, summer heat isn’t just uncomfortable — it can quickly become a serious health and safety risk. As temperatures climb across New Zealand, many businesses are asking the same questions: What exactly should we be doing to keep our people safe? What’s legally expected of us? And how can we get the right support without overcomplicating things?
Let’s take a look at five effective ways to protect your team from heat stress – and how beworkable.com can help you get it right from day one.
1. Start with a Heat Stress Risk Assessment
Before you can fix a problem, you need to understand it. A proper heat stress risk assessment identifies:
- When and where temperatures peak
- Which tasks expose workers to the most risk
- How PPE, physical exertion, and humidity influence danger levels
- What engineering or administrative controls you legally need to consider.
This step isn’t optional – it’s a core part of your responsibilities under New Zealand health and safety law. And it doesn’t have to be confusing.
Workable’s occupational health consultants can review your current setup, highlight gaps, and help you create a practical, fit-for-purpose heat stress plan. It’s tailored, not generic — exactly what busy teams need when they don’t have time for guesswork.
Contact us today to find out more.
2. Build Clear Hydration Protocols (and Make Them Non-Negotiable)
Dehydration is one of the fastest ways workers can slip into heat exhaustion. But many businesses still rely on the “drink water when you feel like it” approach – and that simply isn’t enough.
Effective hydration planning includes:
- Scheduled water breaks
- Routine reminders
- Ensuring workers have access to cool, clean water wherever they’re working
- Teaching workers the early signs of dehydration.
How can we help? Workable can support you with on-site toolbox talks, easy-to-use training materials, and hydration-focused health promotion resources. This isn’t just compliance – it builds safer habits across your whole team.
3. Adjust Work Schedules to Avoid Peak Heat
This strategy makes a massive difference. Even small changes can reduce the risk of heat illness dramatically. Practical options include:
- Starting earlier to avoid afternoon heat
- Rotating tasks so no one is doing strenuous work for too long
- Increasing rest breaks when temperatures climb
- Planning heavier work for cooler, shaded, or indoor moments
If you’re unsure what your limits should be, we can help you determine the safest work-rest cycles and document them properly — so you’re covered both practically and from a compliance standpoint.
4. Use Sun Protection as Part of Your PPE System
Heat and UV exposure go hand-in-hand. And while sunscreen is essential, it’s just one layer of protection. Your sun safety system should also include:
- Wide-brimmed hats or hard-hat attachments
- UPF-rated clothing
- Shade structures for break areas
- Clear rules around reapplying sunscreen throughout the day.
If you need help educating your team on the why behind sun protection – or if you want someone external to reinforce its importance – Workable can provide occupational health education sessions. Contact us today to find out more.
5. Train Your Team to Recognise the Warning Signs Early
Heat-related illnesses escalate incredibly quickly, which is why awareness training is one of your strongest defensive tools. Workers and supervisors should be able to spot:
- Heat rash
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Sudden fatigue
- Stopped sweating
Workable offers tailored training that teaches teams what to look for, what to do, and how to respond confidently in the moment – including when to escalate to first aid or medical help.
Read our blog How to Spot the Signs of Heat Stress – and What to Do Next to find out more.
We can help
Protecting your team from summer heat doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should be intentional. With the right planning, clear communication, and practical support, your outdoor workers can stay safe, productive, and confident all season long.
If you want expert help putting any of these steps into practice, the team at beworkable.com is ready to support you with heat stress assessments, training, and on-site health promotion – all designed for real workplaces just like yours.