Embedded Files
Background:
Outdoor workers are one populations at heightened risk for heat-related illness. Contributing factors include limited access to shade or air-conditioned spaces, lack of acclimatization as temperatures rise, working during peak midday heat, and not hydrating or taking breaks consistently (CDC). Heat stress is not the only concern: superheated equipment can cause burns, fogged safety glasses can impair vision, and the loosening or removal of PPE due to heat can increase exposure to other workplace hazards (CDC/NIOSH).
According to a DHSS report, nearly half of all heat-related emergency department visits between 2018 and 2023 that reported the location at the time of heat exposure showed they occurred while individuals were at work.
Event Day:
Purpose
This day focuses on the unique risks faced by outdoor workers and the steps employers, supervisors, and workers themselves can take to prevent heat-related illness and injury. The goal is to highlight practical strategies, evidence-based guidance, and Delaware-specific data that illustrate why workplace protections are essential as temperatures continue to rise.
What Delawareans Can Expect
Presentations on occupational heat risks, including how heat stress develops and why certain job tasks increase vulnerability
Guidance from public health and workplace safety experts on hydration, acclimatization, scheduling, shade access, and recognizing early warning signs of heat illness
Discussions on secondary hazards, such as burns from overheated equipment, impaired visibility from fogged PPE, and increased exposure risks when workers remove protective gear due to heat
Delaware-specific data, including trends in heat-related emergency department visits and insights into which industries and job roles are most affected
Resources for employers, such as model heat-safety plans, training materials, and strategies for creating safer work environments during extreme heat
Why This Matters
Outdoor workers are on the front lines of rising temperatures. As Delaware continues to warm, job sites become increasingly dangerous without proper protections. Strengthening awareness, improving workplace practices, and ensuring access to cooling, hydration, and training can prevent serious illness and save lives.
Participating Organizations:
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Events:
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