Stay Safe In The Heat

Posted on: June 7, 2018

Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to cool itself through sweating.  The most common heat-induced illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  If left untreated, heat exhaustion could progress to heat stroke and possible death.

You can protect yourself and coworkers by:

• Recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
• Drink plenty of cool water; about 1 cup every 15-20 minutes. Caffeine, high sugar sodas, and alcohol actually work against the body in high temperatures.
• Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing, such as cotton.
• Take breaks in a cool area to allow the body to cool down.
• Avoid eating large meals before working in hot environments.
• Know if any of your medications can affect you when working in hot environments.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:  headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, mood changes such as irritability, confusion, or the inability to think straight, upset stomach, vomiting, fainting or passing out, and pale, clammy skin.

If you (or a coworker) are showing signs of heat exhaustion, you should:

• Act immediately. If not treated, heat exhaustion may advance to heat stroke or death.
• Move them to a cool, shaded area to rest. Do not leave them alone.
• If symptoms include dizziness or lightheadedness, lay the victim on his or her back and raise the legs 6-8 inches.
• If symptoms include nausea or upset stomach, lay the victim on his or her side.
• Loosen and remove any heavy clothing.
• Have the person drink cool water unless they’re sick to their stomach.
• Cool the person by fanning and spraying with a cool mist of water, or applying a wet cloth to the person’s skin (neck, forehead, cheeks, etc.).
• Call 911 for help if the person does not feel better in a few minutes.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency!  Symptoms include:  dry, pale skin with no sweating, hot, red skin that looks sunburned, mood changes such as irritability, confusion, or the inability to think straight, seizures or fits, and unconsciousness with no response.

If a coworker is showing signs of heat stroke, you should:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Move them to a cool, shaded area to rest. Do not leave them alone.
• If symptoms include dizziness or lightheadedness, lay the victim on his or her back and raise the legs 6-8 inches.
• If symptoms include nausea or upset stomach, lay the victim on his or her side.
• Loosen and remove any heavy clothing.
• Have the person drink cool water unless they’re sick to their stomach.
• Cool the person by fanning and spraying with a cool mist of water, or applying a wet cloth to the person’s skin (neck, forehead, cheeks, etc.).
• Place ice packs under the armpits and groin area.

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