The Expert Speaks: Avoid the Dangers of Rising Summer Temperatures
Making the right call to ensure your workers' safety
By Heliel Morales
If you've been feeling the heat in 2025, you're not alone. According to the U.S. climate monitoring agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), global surface temperatures from January to June of this year were the second warmest since it started keeping records in 1850. This past June was the third warmest on record, surpassed only by June 2023 and June 2024.
For employers and safety managers, this trend underscores the urgent need for summer heat safety protocols—especially for outdoor workers and those in non-air-conditioned environments. Their risks for overheating is real, with heat being the number one cause of weather-related deaths in the world.
On a day with temperatures hitting above 100°F (38°C), it's easy to see how much moisture one can lose to sweat.
Safeguarding your workers' wellbeing is key in organizations of any size.
This important responsibility includes more than just monitoring temperatures to prevent heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration in outdoor activities or in locations without air conditioning.
Employers must also consider reduced air quality from ozone and particulate pollution that builds up in hot, stagnant conditions.
Summer wildfires reduce air quality as well, releasing particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can travel for miles beyond a fire's perimeter.
Finally, there is the impact of heat on electrical systems. Excessive heat can lead to fluctuating voltage levels and damage to the insulation around wires as well as the potential for overloading circuits. If you work in an area prone to summer storms, there is the added concern of electrical surges and outages.
Fixing these issues safely can often require the use of personal protective equipment, which again brings us back to concerns about heat stroke.
Ignoring health and safety concerns can lead to illness or injury, work stoppages, and hefty fines. So, what can managers do to protect workers and avoid downtime?
Courtesy: noaa.gov
How Hot Is It? Check the Heat Index.
You don't need to check your local weather station every hour, though, to maintain safety. Dual-use products such as the Extech HW30 HeatWatch Stopwatch can supply the apparent temperature instantly while also functioning as a digital stopwatch. The HeatWatch has technology that takes into account both temperature and humidity to display the Heat Index and can be programmed to alarm when environmental conditions pose heat-related risks.
Another option is a wet bulb heat stress meter, which considers air movement and direct solar radiation along with air temperature and humidity. A device such as the Extech HT30 Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Meter takes into account how direct solar radiation on an exposed surface and lack of air movement can affect how hot our bodies get, as well as our ability to cool down.
NOAA recommends caution if the heat index rises above 90°F (32°C), as prolonged exposure to these temperatures, especially with physical activity, can lead to sunstroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion. Even with apparent temperatures between 80°F and 89°F (26.6°C and 31.6°C), you're more likely to get fatigued faster.
With these higher temperatures it's important to pay attention to factors such as sun exposure and air movement, and whether workers have had appropriate rest breaks with access to water.
Finally, take into account whether workers need to wear PPE or other heavy, protective clothing.
Remember, people tend to be less productive at high temperatures, so the added risk of working in the heat may not be worth it.
Safety helmet innovator, STUDSON, took advantage of FLIR thermal technology to test its cooling accessories for construction, utility, and industrial customers. These include a cooling helmet liner with a nape cover and a cooling towel that are purpose-built for use with PPE safety helmets.
Monitor Air Quality Both Outside and Indoors.
It's not hard to determine if wildfires are affecting air quality outside: you can smell it.
But the particulate matter that makes the sky look hazy can make its way indoors and drastically reduce indoor air quality.
Devices such as the Extech IAQ320 Indoor Air Quality Monitor and Datalogger continuously monitor indoor conditions by accurately measuring levels of particulate matter and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Many of these meters also monitor air temperature and humidity, which can rise during hot summer months if your building's HVAC system isn't functioning at full capacity.
If there is a true concern about the potential for high VOC levels resulting from a wildfire, then a VOC meter such as the Extech VFM200 can quickly check indoor concentrations in real time. The VFM200 also detects VOCs from paints, car exhaust, cleansers, and more.
Electrical Safety in Extreme Heat.
High temperatures can cause electrical insulation breakdown, voltage fluctuations, and circuit overloads. Thermal imaging cameras such as the FLIR E8 Pro can help identify overheating components before they fail.
Some key features to consider when selecting a thermal camera include:
• Thermal Resolution: Opt for cameras with higher thermal resolutions, measured in pixels. These cameras capture accurate temperature measurements and detect subtle temperature differences, leading to more precise diagnostics.
• Temperature Measurement: Ensure the camera covers a wide temperature range suitable for electrical inspections. The ability to measure extreme temperatures accurately is essential for detecting abnormalities in equipment.
• On Camera Functionality: Look for cameras with high-quality visual displays to facilitate easy interpretation of thermal images. Features like adjustable color palettes and picture-in-picture mode enhance visibility and aid in identifying issues quickly.
As summer temperatures continue to rise, protecting workers from heat-related hazards is more important than ever. By using advanced tools like heat index monitors, air quality meters, and thermal imagers, employers can create safer, more responsive work environments.
Proactive planning, real-time monitoring, and smart cooling solutions are key to preventing heat stress, maintaining productivity, and ensuring the health and safety of every team member. Don’t wait for the next heatwave—equip your workers with the tools they need to stay safe all summer long.
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*Steadman, Robert G. (December 1984). "A Universal Scale of Apparent Temperature". Journal of Climate and Applied Meteorology.
