Heat Safety
April- Heat Safety: It’s a Hot Topic
Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in extreme
heat or humid conditions. There are a range of heat illnesses and they can affect
anyone,
regardless of age or physical condition. Extreme heat can send someone into cardiac
arrest and
damage vital organs, and people living with comorbidities, like heart disease or diabetes,
are
even more vulnerable to fatality.
Heat-related fatalities have occurred with a heat index below 80°F, particularly when
aggravating factors like performing heavy strenuous work without easy access to water
or
shade, or working in direct sunlight. are present.
So before the summer heat wave sets in, it is important to know how you and your workers
can
beat the heat and prevent heat illness.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Muscle spasms or pain, usually in legs, arms, or trunk
- Heavy sweating
Heat Exhaustion:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Thirst
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Elevated body temperature or fast heart rate
Heat Syncope
- Fainting
- Dizziness
Heat Rash
- Clusters of red bumps on skin
- Often appears on neck, upper chest, and skin folds
Heat Stroke
- Very high body temperature (104°F or higher)
- Confusion, disorientation, or loss of consciousness
- Red, hot, and dry skin (or sweating)
- Rapid and stronge pulse
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
- Unconsciousness
Important Notes
- Sweating may seem like a normal response to working in the heat but excessive sweating could be heat exhaustion.
- Similarly, a worker could complain of nausea and blame it on what he ate for lunch but it could also be a sign of heat stroke which can be fatal.
- Heat cramps may seem mild, but ignoring this sign of heat illness may worsen your symptoms.
- Heat stroke is a medical emergency: requiring immediate medical attention.
- If you suspect someone has a heat-related illness, seek immediate medical help.
Preventing Heat Illness
To prevent heat-related illness and death, ensure that workers:
- Are allowed water breaks every 15 minutes
- Rest in the shade or air conditioning to cool down
- Wear a hat and light-colored clothing
- Know heat-illness signs and symptoms
- Report symptoms early, and watch out for coworkers
- Know what to do in an emergency
- Gradually build up their heat tolerance using an acclimatization process
An app developed by the OSHA, allows workers and supervisors to calculate the heat
index for their worksite, and, based on the heat index, displays a risk level to outdoor
workers. Download the app
View More Heat Safety Resources
View Free Heat Safety Posters
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