Did You Know You Could Die From Heat?

5 Ways to Recognise a Heat-Related Illness

1. Heat Rash: Presents as clusters of red pimples or small blisters.
2. Heat Cramps: Painful muscle spasms in the arms, legs or abdomen.
3. Heat Syncope (Fainting): Symptoms include dizziness, light-headedness and brief loss of consciousness.
4. Heat Exhaustion: A warning sign that the body is overheating, often accompanied by heavy sweating and weakness.
5. Heat Stroke: A serious, life-threatening condition that occurs when the body loses its ability to control its temperature.

Read the rest of the 5 ways to recognize a heat-related illness »

Heat-Related Illness Facts

• Hyperthermia refers to overheating of the body.
• Occurs as a result of prolonged heat exposure.
• Includes heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat syncope and heat rash.
• Heat stroke is the most severe form and requires immediate medical attention.
• Certain groups—including the elderly, infants, the obese, outdoor workers and those with chronic conditions—are at increased risk.
• Signs vary by condition but may include:
  • Elevated body temperature
  • Headache, nausea and weakness
  • Dizziness, fainting and muscle cramps
  • Seizures, confusion and coma
• Treatment includes moving the individual to a cool environment, applying cooling measures, rest and rehydration.
• Prevention involves proper planning: increasing fluid intake, wearing suitable clothing and sunscreen, staying cool and acclimatising gradually.

What Is a Heat-Related Illness?

A heat-related illness is a medical condition resulting from exposure to high temperatures. Even brief periods in extreme heat can lead to serious health issues. The spectrum ranges from minor conditions—like heat cramps and heat rash—to life-threatening emergencies such as heat stroke. Common types include:

• Heat stroke
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat cramps
• Heat syncope (fainting)
• Heat rash

Employer Responsibilities and Safety Concerns

Whilst there’s no legal maximum working temperature, your employer must ensure that the work environment—especially in vehicles or around machinery—is kept at a reasonable temperature. A full risk assessment should be carried out to reduce the dangers of heat-related conditions.

Example Scenarios:

1. Older buses often had fans and wide-opening windows to reduce interior heat.
2. New buses feature air conditioning, fixed fans and restricted windows.
3. If the air conditioning fails in a modern vehicle, the cabin temperature can quickly become unbearable, leading to heat-related symptoms and a clear Health & Safety issue.

Please report any vehicle without functioning air conditioning to your employer and copy in the Workers of England Union via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Regards,
Stephen Morris
General Secretary