What should be provided to workers during a heat stress incident?

During a heat stress incident, it is essential to provide fluids and a cooler location to help workers recover and prevent further heat-related issues. Hydration is crucial because excessive heat can lead to dehydration, which exacerbates the body's stress response. Providing fluids, preferably water or electrolyte solutions, helps replenish what the body has lost through sweating. Additionally, moving the worker to a cooler environment—whether it's indoors or a shaded area—can significantly help lower their body temperature, alleviating heat stress symptoms and preventing heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Other options do not adequately address the immediate needs of someone experiencing heat stress. While sun protection gear is helpful for prevention, it does not assist in the situation at hand. Similarly, cold food and entertainment might distract from the urgency of hydration and cooling down. Immediate transport to the hospital may be necessary in severe cases but is not always the first step; in most instances, managing the situation on-site with the right resources is preferable before escalating to emergency services.