As the weather heats up, your drivers need to keep their cool and you can help. Training your employees in heat illness and general heat-related safety practices will go a long way to protecting them.

Drinking water

Providing cool drinking water is a simple thing that can go a long way in safeguarding employees. The human body naturally sweats to cool itself. However, this can result in a significant loss of fluid that must be replenished during the workday.

While iced coffee may be delicious, it’s not a good choice for a cooling beverage. Caffeine can cause dehydration; drivers should limit caffeine consumption whenever possible.

Cooling clothing

Moisture wicking fabrics are an excellent choice for summer wear. If your drivers wear a uniform, check with the supplier to see if options are available using these high-tech fabrics.

Cooling vests and neck wraps work by chilling the body’s core. There are great options for those who may be sensitive to the heat or if you’re located in an especially hot part of the country.

Know the signs

Make sure you and your staff can spot the signs of heat exhaustion. These include:

• Heavy sweating
• Cold, pale, and clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness or weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fainting (passing out)

Provide timely treatment to those who need it.

• Move to a cool place
• Loosen clothing
• Put cool, wet cloths on the body or take a cool bath
• Sip water

Get medical help right away if:

• The person is throwing up
• Symptoms get worse
• Symptoms last longer than 1 hour