Arlington ISD Shares its Heat Safety Blueprint

Heat stress is a top concern for school employees working outdoors in Texas. Temperatures peak around late July to mid-August, but dangerous heat lingers far into fall. That’s why it is vital for schools to have a formal heat safety plan that includes preventative measures and emergency response.

For Wesley Brown, Environmental and Safety Coordinator for Arlington ISD, protecting staff from heat-related illnesses and hazards isn’t just policy- it's identity.

“Safety is our culture; safety is what we do and that’s what we stress every single day,” Wesley said.

Putting Safety into Policy and Practice

The Heat and Illness Prevention Program lays the foundation for safety at Arlington ISD. As risks evolve, so does the program. Committing the program to writing helps leadership manage and prioritize activities as workloads grow.

The district used OSHA standards on occupational exposure to heat for guidance in developing their written program.

“We went through and rewrote our program, and we check it every year to make sure we stay up to date on it,” Wesley said

Key Safety Measures

Arlington ISD built its program on four key measures common in strong heat illness prevention plans.

1. Safety Trainings

The most significant part of the program is the commitment to training.

“We hold mandatory safety trainings monthly. Everybody shows up and we present a different subject each month,” Wesley said.

Training equips staff with knowledge and tools to prevent heat-related illness. It also provides an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback with Wesley and other district leaders. Open dialogue helps leadership improve the training process and build relationships with employees.

"After we do our safety training on a topic, we get feedback, usually from some of the guys that have been here for 20 years,” Wesley explained. “They’ll say things like, ‘I know I’ve heard this a lot of times, but I didn’t realize. Thanks for reminding us of this.’”

Wesley incorporates frequent communications to staff about heat safety, ranging from posters in break rooms to daily emails to supervisors.

2. Hydration

When it comes to staying hydrated, Wesley acknowledged that having enough water at working stations was only a starting point. He brainstormed new methods to make sure crews stay hydrated.

“We provide electrolyte popsicles to be able to give them that instant cool down, especially when they’re out in the heat," Wesley said. “They fell in love with them.”

3. Shade Structures for Rooftop/Outdoor Crews

Long hours working in the heat increases staff’s risk of heatstroke, cramps, and accidents caused by reduced mental sharpness. Shade structures offer simple, yet effective relief.

“We purchased the shade structures for them to put up when they’re working on HVAC units,” Wesley said.

At Arlington ISD, crews not only take breaks in the shade but also complete a lot of their work under the shade.

4. Two-Person Rule

When someone suffers from heat stress, there is often time to intervene before their condition becomes critical. Arlington ISD’s two-person rule requires employees to take a partner with them anytime they work on a facility roof.

“You’ve got to have someone else there because you don’t know if somebody passes out or has a heat issue,” Wesley explained.

From heading off an incident because they recognized symptoms to calling for help after an incident, the two-person rule can save lives.

5. PPE

Ensuring staff have the right personal protective equipment (PPE) goes a long way to keeping everyone safe on the job. Proper equipment and tutorials on how to use the gear means employees are better protected and more comfortable doing their work. 

Regular testing also helps confirm the equipment is working the way it should so staff can focus on their jobs with confidence.

Building a Culture of Safety

Since implementing the program, Arlington ISD has seen tangible results.

“We have definitely been reducing incidents,” Wesley explained. “Out of over 630 people, we may have had 2 incidents.”

Wesley adds that positive metrics are a sign that employees are embracing a culture of safety. “That tells me that people are actually buying into our program and becoming more aware,” Wesley said.

Arlington ISD’s Heat and Illness Prevention Program puts training, open communication, and visible leadership at the forefront. As a result, staff feel empowered to come in each day and do their best work for each other and for the community.

“The program is like a constant reminder- always look out for each other,” Wesley said.