Working in the Sun: Heat Safety Tips for Small Business Owners

If your team works outdoors during the summer, keeping them safe in the heat is part of the job. High temperatures and humidity don’t just make the day uncomfortable; they can put your crew’s health and productivity at risk. This quick guide offers practical tips to help your team stay cool, protected, and ready to tackle the work.

Sun-safe gear can support team comfort and contribute to a safer work environment. Lightweight, breathable clothing with built-in UV protection may help keep you cool while shielding your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Consider pairing with cooling PPE for heat stress prevention by regulating body temperature. 

Cooling Neck Wraps	Cooling Vests	Cooling Headbands

Encourage scheduled cool-down periods throughout the day. Shade structures on jobsites can provide much-needed relief during peak sun hours and help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Frontload strenuous tasks in the early morning when conditions are more manageable.

Adequate hydration is critical for heat safety. Set up multiple water stations and supply reusable bottles or electrolyte beverages. Remind your team to drink regularly (not just when they feel thirsty) to stay ahead of dehydration.

According to EHS Today, 82% of outdoor workers skip sunscreen while on the job, increasing long-term risks associated with occupational sun exposure. Make broad-spectrum sunscreen readily available and part of your crew's daily PPE routine. 

Heat stress is more common—and more serious—than many folks realize. In the U.S., around 11 workers suffer severe injuries or worse from heat stress every day. It is advisable to recognize signs of heat-related illness and respond promptly.

Here are some signs to keep an eye on:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Trouble focusing or confusion
• Heavy sweating
• Fast heart rate
• Feeling sick or unusually tired
   

The tough part is that heat stress can sneak up slowly. That’s why it’s important to stay alert to how your crew is doing, especially on the hottest days. If someone starts showing symptoms, move them to a shaded or cool spot, get them some water, and try to cool them down.

If they’re not feeling better within an hour, don’t wait. Call 9-1-1 or get medical help right away. Allowing schedule flexibility during extreme heat may support crew safety and operational continuity.

Heat isn’t just a comfort issue; it’s a safety and productivity concern. 

• Between 1992 and 2021, more than 999 U.S. workers died from heat-related illness, and over 33,890 were seriously injured on the job due to heat exposure from 2011 to 2020 (OSHA).
• Looking ahead, the challenge is only growing. By 2030, heat-related productivity loss in the U.S. is expected to double (Statista).
• Even a small drop in body fluids—just 2%—can reduce reaction time by nearly a quarter during decision-making tasks (PubMed).
• And if a worker loses more than 1.5% of their body weight from sweating in a day, their risk for heat stress goes way up (EHS). 

As a small business owner, you know your team is your biggest asset. Providing sun safety resources and equipment can contribute to improved working conditions and team well-being. Zoro carries a wide range of cooling gear, sun-protective clothing, water bottles, and jobsite essentials to help you prep for hot weather and keep your team working safely all summer long.

Product Compliance and Suitability

The statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions. Portions of this article were generated in part by ChatGPT, and edited by a member of the Zoro team.