Heat Illness Prevention

Introduction Many people are not aware of the risks of heat stress on their body When the body is unable to cool itself it is vulnerable to: a. heat stress b. heat exhaustion c. more severe heat stroke can occur d. even death

Four Types of Heat Exposure Heat Rash Heat Cramps Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke

Heat Rash: Cause: hot humid environment, plugged sweat glands Symptoms: red bumpy rash with severe itching Treatment: change into dry clothes, avoid hot environments and rinse skin with cool water.

Heat Cramps Cause: heavy sweating drains a person’s body of salt, which cannot be replaced just by drinking water Symptoms: painful cramps in arms, legs or stomach which occur suddenly at work or later at home. Heat cramps are serious because they can be a warning of other more dangerous heat- induced illnesses.

Heat Cramps: Treatment: move to a cool area and loosen clothing and drink cool salted water (1 tsp. salt per gallon of water or a sports drink with electrolytes). If the cramps are severe or do not go away, seek medical help.

Heat Exhaustion: Cause: fluid loss and not enough water intake causes a person’s body cooling system to start to break down. Symptoms: heavy sweating, cool moist skin, weak pulse, normal or low blood pressure, tired and weak, has nausea and is vomiting, very thirsty or is panting or breathing rapidly

Heat Exhaustion: Treatment: GET MEDICAL AID. This condition can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal. Move to a cool shaded area, loosen or remove excess clothing, provide cool water to drink and fan/spray with cool water.

Heat Stroke Cause: if a person’s body has used up all its water and salt reserves, the body will stop sweating and this can cause the body temperature to rise. Heat stroke may develop suddenly or may follow from heat exhaustion.

Heat Stroke Symptoms: high body temperature and weakness, confusion, upset or acting strangely, has hot/dry red skin, fast pulse, headache or dizziness. In later stages a person may pass out and have convulsions. Treatment: CALL 911. This condition can kill a person quickly. Remove excess clothing, fan/spray with cool water and offer sips of water if the person is conscious.

Prevention Drink plenty of fluids. When you are in a hot environment, it is possible for the body to loose one liter of fluids per hour. Thirst is not a good indicator of fluid loss. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink fluids. Drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.

Prevention Take frequent breaks. As the temperature increases, more frequent breaks are needed in cool shaded areas that block direct sunlight. One indicator that blockage is sufficient is when objects do not cast a shadow in the area of blocked sunlight.

Prevention Wear proper clothing. Loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored fabrics are recommended. A wide-brimmed hat will provide shade and keep the head cool. Acclimatize. It takes at least 7-10 days to get used to working in a hot environment. Slowly build up tolerance to the heat and your work activity.

Prevention Stay in shape. A healthy heart and good muscle tone work more efficiently and generate less heat. Eat light during the workday. Hot, heavy meals add heat to your body and divert blood flow to aid with digestion. Normal dietary intake typically replaces all salt lost during the day, so there is no need to take salt supplements.

Prevention Be aware of special heat stress risk. Caffeine, alcohol, diabetes or medications for high blood pressure and allergies can increase the risk of heat stress. Perform the heaviest work in the coolest part of the day. Working while it is cool outside helps keep your body temperature down

Prevention Work in pairs. Use the buddy system so you always have someone with you that can help in case you become affected by the heat.

Conclusion Following the preventative measures will help you protect yourself and others around you. Also, remember the importance of immediately reporting to your employer symptoms or signs of heat illness in yourself or your co- workers.

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