Beat the Heat: LEAD’s Summer Hydration Program for Our Trade Employees

LEAD has launched its summer hydration program, “Keep Cool with LEAD,” to help our trade employees stay cool and safe during these hot summer months.

Working outside in the summer is a reality for LEAD’s trade professionals—whether you’re on a construction site, on a ship, or at a plant. While the season brings longer days and more daylight to get the job done, the heat can be relentless and dangerous. Heat exhaustion is one of the most significant risks and can quickly turn a productive day into a medical emergency.

Mark Curtiss, President of LEAD, says, “Occupational heat-related illness and injury are most likely underestimated. Trade workers often discount heat as a factor when not feeling well. Now that summer is here, it is more important than ever for our crews to keep hydrated. Heat can intensify existing health problems like asthma, kidney failure, and heart disease; it can cause heat stroke and even death if not treated immediately. This is why keeping hydrated and being aware of your environment is essential to your health and safety on the worksite.”

“Safety for our workers is always a top priority, and we created this program to remind our trade employees of the challenges and risks of working in the summer heat,” says Mark.

This program is designed for LEAD trade employees like you. It helps you recognize the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, so you can look out for yourself and your fellow tradespeople on the job.

What is Heat Exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion happens when your body overheats due to high temperatures and strenuous activity. As a LEAD trade employee, you’re especially vulnerable because your work often involves physical labor under direct sunlight and in heavy protective gear. It can affect your ability to think clearly and react quickly—both crucial for staying safe on the job.

Signs of Head Exhaustion to Watch Out For

• Faint or dizzy
• Excessive sweating
• Cool, pale, clammy skin
• Nausea, vomiting
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Muscle cramps

How to Prevent Head Exhaustion on the Job

1. Hydrate Continuously
   Drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid caffeinated or sugary drinks, which can speed up dehydration.
2. Dress for the Heat
   Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat or hard hat with a sun shield. Use cooling towels if possible.
3. Schedule Smart
   If you have any control over your tasks, try to plan the heaviest work for early mornings or later afternoons when it’s cooler.
4. Take Breaks in the Shade
   Step out of the sun for regular breaks in a cool or shaded area. Even a few minutes can make a difference.
5. Know the Warning Signs
   Learn to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion in yourself and your coworkers. Speak up if you notice someone struggling.
6. Work as a Team
   Check in with each other, especially during heat waves. A few words could prevent a serious health scare.

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to heat stroke, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

How to Treat it

1. If you suspect heat exhaustion, move to a cooler location.
2. Drink water slowly and steadily.
3. Take a cool shower or use cold compresses to help cool the body.

What is Heat Stroke?

• Throbbing headache
• No sweating
• Body temp above 103°
• Red, hot, dry skin
• Nausea, vomiting
• Rapid, strong pulse
• May lose consciousness

How to Treat it

1. Get emergency help right away.
2. Keep the person cool until help arrives.

Why LEAD Trade Employees Are at Higher Risk

Unlike office workers, LEAD trade employees often can’t escape the heat. Your jobs are physically demanding, and sometimes there’s pressure to keep up the pace to meet deadlines. Add in concrete, asphalt, or metal surfaces that radiate extra heat, and you’ve got a major risk for heat exhaustion.

LEADS Role in Heat Safety

We are currently handing out Basis Hydration packets to our employees. “To help keep hydration top of mind, LEAD branches are distributing Basis Hydration, low-sugar powder packets to our employees. This certified organic electrolyte mix helps support hydration,” says Mark.

We have also created an educational poster for display at worksites that highlights the challenges of working in summer heat.

We also provide adequate water, breaks, and training on recognizing and responding to heat-related illnesses. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about keeping everyone safe and healthy.

Heat exhaustion is a real hazard for our trade professionals working outside during the summer. By recognizing the risks and taking proactive steps—like staying hydrated, dressing smart, and looking out for each other—you can keep yourself and your crew safe through even the hottest days.

If you need additional hydration packets or more information on staying cool while working in hot conditions, please contact your LEAD branch recruiter. We also have a dedicated 24/7 phone line—LEAD 411—that you can text or email for support.