Key insights
- As weather extremes become more frequent, heat stress increasingly impacts worker health and safety.
- The sports industry provides some innovative approaches to protecting athletes at events in hot climates and during heatwaves.
- Organizations can take the approaches used in the sports industry to protect workers, reduce risk and sustain operations and performance in a warming world.
As global temperatures continue to rise, heat has emerged as a defining test of resilience across sports and industries with outdoor workers alike. During the 2026 Australian Open, for example, temperatures reached 40°C (104°F), prompting organizers to suspend outdoor matches and pivot to air-conditioned stadiums with retractable roofs.1
Experts across sports and risk management are emphasizing the urgency of recognizing heat not as a one-off disruption, but as an intensifying operational risk that demands a systematic approach to risk management.
The sporting world has had to adapt quickly. The good news is that the lessons, solutions and technologies implemented in elite sports are widely transferable, with applications for industries with outdoor workers, such as construction, utilities and agriculture. Adopting these practices helps organizations reduce risk and protect outdoor workers operating in hot climates.
Recognizing the 'burnout' threat — why early intervention is crucial
Heat-related illnesses exist on a scale, ranging from mild conditions to severe dehydration and life-threatening heatstroke. Early detection and intervention are therefore essential.
Recognizing the signs quickly enough can make the difference between early intervention and serious harm.
Warning signs of heat-related illness often begin subtly — excessive sweating, cramping and intense thirst. As the condition worsens, individuals may experience confusion, unusual behavior or a noticeable drop in performance.
In extreme situations, immediate cooling is critical and can be lifesaving therefore every second counts when body temperature exceeds critical limits.
A key challenge is that many venues and workplaces lack cooling infrastructure, while preparedness for extreme heat is still evolving across outdoor industries. Without proper systems in place, even well-trained teams can struggle to respond effectively.
The need for real-time data and preparedness in hot climates
One of the most important lessons from sports is the need to measure on-the-ground conditions rather than relying solely on weather forecasts.
On hot days, field conditions can soar beyond ambient temperatures due to reflected heat, a discrepancy that can significantly impact safety decisions. Wearable devices such as heart rate monitors and core temperature sensors can track players' vital signs, offering early warning signals before heat stress becomes critical.
Training non-medical staff to recognize early signs of heat stress is equally vital. Thirst alone isn't a reliable indicator of dehydration, highlighting the need for proactive hydration strategies.
Rapid response protocols are a cornerstone of effective heat management and involve enforcing protective measures such as hydration protocols and work-rest cycles.
Acclimatization plays a crucial role. "In rugby, most teams usually participate in some form of acclimatization, whether that involves training at high altitudes or in warmer weather before touring in a hot country," says Nathan Hines, development director — Premiership Rugby at Gallagher and a former professional rugby player.
He even recalls training in the glasshouse of a botanic garden in preparation for one overseas tournament. Gradual exposure over one to two weeks before an event can help the body adapt to hot conditions, improving tolerance and reducing risk.
While the same approach cannot be exactly replicated in outdoor work, the principle of acclimatization remains important. This could involve adapting schedules so employees can work during the coolest hours of the day and adjust to higher temperatures over time.
In sports, hydration strategies are highly data driven. Athletes get weighed before and after each game or activity to estimate fluid loss, with targeted rehydration plans in place. Teams also carefully manage electrolyte balance to maintain performance and prevent complications. These practices can be adapted for workplace settings with meaningful impact.
Simple interventions can make a big difference. Ice towels, misting fans, shaded rest areas and increased break frequency are practical measures that can help regulate body temperature.
Why the right frameworks put people's welfare first
Strong governance frameworks that prioritize safety over performance are essential for managing heat stress. Many sports organizations have predefined thresholds that trigger clear operational responses.
Leadership plays a key role in reinforcing these practices. "When it comes to addressing the actual risk of heat stroke, it's crucial to determine who is responsible for managing it," says Brent Brandham, national practice leader, Sports and Recreation, Gallagher Canada.
When individuals understand the risks and their role in managing them, shared responsibility becomes a powerful tool for prevention.
"The most important lesson is the value of independence in decision-making," says Warren McDonald, chief medical officer, Rugby Australia. "We need to ensure that concerns about performance are removed from the decision-making process. Having an independent process that prioritizes welfare can only be beneficial."
Translating sports practices to outdoor industries
The strategies developed in sports practices can be directly applied to work in outdoor environments across businesses, helping shift risk management strategies from reactive incident responses to proactive health and safety management.