[HSE] How to prevent heat stress for energy experts working in extreme conditions?

Interview with Mohand Toudert, HSE Supervisor at Altea Energy

Every year, temperatures reach new records in the Saharan and desert areas where many Altea Energy consultants operate. In such high-risk conditions, vigilance is essential.

During this period of intense heat, Mohand Toudert, HSE Supervisor, has stepped up awareness around heat stress among the consultant community, in coordination with the clients they work with. He shares the key challenges in this article.

What is heat stress?

Heat stress is a physiological strain caused by excessive exposure to heat, which disrupts the body’s temperature regulation and can lead to serious, even fatal, conditions if not properly prevented.

“Heat stress is an invisible risk but one that can have serious consequences. Given the increasing risk factors we observe on the ground—correlated with the climate data of the countries where our consultant community operates—we carry out proactive prevention efforts. These awareness campaigns aim to keep our consultants safe when working in extreme conditions and exposed to prolonged heat,” explains Mohand Toudert.

Heat stress: an underestimated physical risk with immediate effects

On oilfields or remote sites, often without fixed shelter and with heavy protective equipment, climatic conditions can quickly become a serious health hazard for consultants.

Among the main identified risks:

Heatstroke: A medical emergency with body temperature potentially exceeding 40°C. According to INRS, without prompt treatment, the mortality rate from heatstroke can reach up to 50%.
Severe dehydration: Reduces physical and mental performance by 20 to 30%, increasing the risk of errors or accidents.
Heat fatigue: Leads to attention issues and reduced alertness.

“These effects can appear very quickly if best practices are not followed, especially during critical time slots between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.,” reminds Mohand Toudert.

“Safety” reflexes to adopt in the field

To support consultants in preventing heat stress, Mohand Toudert outlines and shares several simple but effective measures:

Stay hydrated regularly: Drink 150 to 250 ml of water every 15 to 20 minutes, even without feeling thirsty.
Take breaks in the shade: Every hour, in a sheltered area or mobile tent.
Limit physical effort during peak heat periods.
Recognize warning signs: Headaches, nausea, dizziness.
Adapt equipment: Light-colored, lightweight, and covering clothing to limit direct sun exposure.

Altea Energy’s HSE policy: prevent, inform, support

Although Altea Energy does not directly operate the sites, its safety role is clear: coordinate, raise awareness, and ensure a safe working environment for its consultants.

Prevention is integrated at every stage:

Before site mobilization: Each consultant receives an HSE briefing including climate-related risks, best practices to follow, and the required equipment.
During the assignment: Regular check-ins allow for reporting any alerts via weekly calls or direct feedback to the HSE team.
In coordination with clients: In extreme conditions, Altea may intervene with the client to recommend adjustments (schedule changes, shelters, water supply, etc.).

“Our approach to heat stress is based on the principles of our QHSE policy: a culture of safety, collective responsibility, and continuous improvement of consultants’ working conditions based on external factors,” emphasizes Mohand Toudert.

Practical case

During the summer of 2024, a consultant based in southern Algeria reached out to the HSE team in anticipation of extreme heat conditions in his area of operation.

“To adapt working conditions, we coordinated with the client to implement preventive measures during the heatwave period:

Adjust work hours to focus on the coolest times of the day,
Install shaded areas and fresh water points,
Initiate a team rotation system to limit prolonged heat exposure.

The consultant appreciated the responsiveness and the measures implemented by the client. To me, this is a great example of effective prevention carried out in a spirit of collaboration and efficiency among all stakeholders,” concludes Mohand Toudert.

>>> Download the summary of “Heat Stress advice” in PDF

> Learn more about Altea Energy’s QHSE policy

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