NOVENEX Toolbox Talk — Heat Stress and Hydration
Health & Wellbeing · ±6 minutes · novenex.tech/toolbox-talks
October in Zimbabwe, a furnace bay, or deep underground — heat is a hazard like any other, and its first casualty is decision-making. Dizzy, irritable people make dangerous mistakes long before they collapse.
Prevention
- •Drink small amounts often — roughly a cup every 20 minutes in hot work; do not wait for thirst.
- •Rotate crews on hot tasks; use shade and cooler hours where the job allows.
- •Light, breathable workwear where the hazard assessment allows it.
- •Alcohol the night before is a head start on dehydration.
Spot it early
- •Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, cramps, dizziness, nausea — rest, shade, fluids.
- •Heat stroke: HOT DRY SKIN, confusion, collapse — this is a medical emergency; cool aggressively and call for help.
- •Watch your workmates; the person affected is the last to notice.
Discussion — ask the crew
- Where are water points relative to the hot jobs on this site?
- Who has seen early heat exhaustion — what did it look like?
- Which tasks should move to cooler hours in summer?
Attendance record
Site: ____________________ Date: ____________ Presenter: ____________________
Name: ______________________________ Signature: ________________
Name: ______________________________ Signature: ________________
Name: ______________________________ Signature: ________________
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Equip this talk
Requisition the water dispenser and related equipment from the Supply Register.