Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Heat Stress Prevention Bechtel First Response Training

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Slide 2 Safety is Our Value “We measure safety performance by the number of incidents. But let’s be clear… it’s really not about incident rates… it’s about people. People who have faces, names, families, hopes, and dreams.” -Riley Bechtel August 15, 2001

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Slide 3 Heat Stress Prevention: Enabling Learning Objectives  Hydration and the human body  Heat stress defined  Predisposing and susceptibility factors  Overview of heat-related illnesses  First aid response to heat stress  Heat stress prevention  BESH Core Process 314: Heat and Cold Stress Prevention

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Water and the Human Body Slide 4

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Hydration  When performing physical work, sweat output often exceeds water intake, producing a body water deficit (dehydration)  Dehydration can negatively affect productivity, safety, and morale  OSHA recommends replacing fluids frequently when exposed to heat stress, such as one cup (250 ml) every 20 minutes when working in warm environments Slide 5

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Predisposing Factors to Heat Stress  Environment –Amount of time exposed –Temperature and humidity –Wind velocity  Age  Medical condition  Ingestion of drugs or poisons Slide 6

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Susceptibility Factors to Heat Stress  Poor or inadequate circulation  Fatigue  Poor nutrition  Alcohol or drug use  Cigarette smoking Slide 7

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Maintaining Hydration  Urine color and sense of thirst can help you assess your hydration state  Even mild dehydration can impact physical performance, blood pressure and thinking  Physical activity level, clothing, equipment and weather influence fluid needs  Take extra precautions if you have chronic illnesses (e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes) –See your Project Nurse or personal doctor for more information Slide 8

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Types of Heat Illnesses  Hyperthermia  Heat cramps  Heat exhaustion  Heat stroke Slide 9

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Hyperthermia  Illness that results when the body is exposed to more heat energy than it can regulate  Signs that you are too hot: Headache, dizziness, or fainting Weakness and wet skin Irritability or confusion Thirst, nausea, or vomiting Slide 10

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Heat Cramps  Painful muscle spasms, usually involving the muscles fatigued by heavy work such as calves, thighs, abdomen, and shoulders  Exact cause of heat cramps is unknown, but is probably related to electrolyte imbalance  Rest in a cool place and drink –Electrolyte and sports beverages (e.g. Gatorade) can replenish electrolytes Slide 11

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Heat Exhaustion  Fluid depletion  Mild hypovolemic shock  Signs and symptoms –Weakness or exhaustion –Nausea and headache –Dizziness or faintness –Rapid pulse –Cold, clammy skin –Elevated temperature –May be confused Slide 12

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Heat Stroke  Least common, a MEDICAL EMERGENCY –Untreated heat stroke will result in death  Signs and symptoms –Hot, dry and flushed skin –May be confused –Unresponsive –Seizures –Falling blood pressure –Temp of 106°F or more Slide 13

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Heat Stress First Aid Response  Call Supervisor to the location  Move person from environment  Loosen/remove clothing  Fan person or run air conditioner  Apply cool packs to neck, groin, and armpits  Apply water with a sponge or wet towel  If unresponsive, roll person to left side (recovery position) and call Project Nurse or 911 Slide 14

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Slide 15 Heat Stress Prevention  Increase your fluid intake in hot weather, regardless of your activity level  Avoid hot foods and heavy meals—they add heat to your body  Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours  Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing  Pair up and watch a co-worker for signs of heat exhaustion (buddy system) –Remind your buddy to drink water or take a break –Talk to your buddy during the work shift to make sure everything is okay  Report any problems promptly to a Supervisor

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Slide 16

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) BESH Core Process 314: Heat and Cold Stress Prevention  Drink at least 2 cups of water before beginning work in the morning and after lunch  Drink 5-8 liters of water each day  Maintain good hygiene with showering and daily changes of clothing  Use of alcohol during non-working hours is strongly discouraged  Intake of coffee during working hours is discouraged  Monitor yourself and your co-workers for signs of heat stress; immediately report any signs of heat stress to your Supervisor Slide 17

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) BESH Core Process 314: Heat and Cold Stress Prevention, Exhibit A-2 Slide 18

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) BESH Core Process 314: Heat and Cold Stress Prevention, Exhibit A-3 Slide 19

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Slide 20

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Slide 21 Test Your Learning 1.What are 3 predisposing or susceptibility factors to heat stress? 2.How can someone assess their own hydration state? 3.What are the signs that a person is too hot? 4.What is the first aid response for heat exhaustion? 5.How can you prevent heat stress?

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Slide 22 We value your Safety and Health Questions? Speak with your Project Nurse or Safety Professional

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Slide 23 Learn More about Heat Stress Prevention  Bechtel Core Process 228: Drinking Water and Ice (BecWeb)  Bechtel Core Process 314: Heat and Cold Stress Prevention (BecWeb)  Cal/OSHA ( essinfo.html)  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov)  National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH.org)  National Safety Council (NSC.org)  Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA.gov)