Heat Stress Prevention

Signs of Heat Stress Heat builds up in the body because it is unable to cool itself through perspiration Muscles cramp Dizziness/fainting or vomiting occurs Red hot & dry skin Throbbing headache and unconsciousness occur

Types of Heat Stress Heat Cramps usually occur in legs and abdomen as painful cramping Heat Exhaustion is the excessive loss of sweat from the body followed by headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting Heat Stroke is red, hot, & dry skin with no sweating, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, & unconsciousness

Risk Factors Lack of heat acclimatization Poor Health : overweight, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, infections, & etc Poor nutrition and physical condition General fatigue or lack of sleep Excessive caffeine consumption (coffee, soda, or tea) Low salt diet Use of alcohol or illegal drugs (dehydration) Age 40 or older (heart output decreases with age) KNOW YOUR LIMITS & LET SUPERVISOR KNOW

Heat Stress Information As the heat increases, so does your chances for Heat Stress Be aware of the outside temperature and humidity (Apparent Temperature is Higher) Heat Stress can lead to infertility in men & heart attack Heat Stroke kills about 4,000 Americans annually

Protective Measures Drink plenty of fluids - water or gatorade/powerade are okay. NO ALCOHOL! - 5 to 7 ozs every 20 minutes Protect yourself from the sun - Apply sunscreen - Wear loose fitting light colored clothing - Wear a hat Take frequent breaks and get out of the sun Wear your neck cooler

What to do when Heat Stress Strikes Render 1 st Aid to victim who is dizzy, nauseous, or fainting by: - Moving to a shaded location - Loosening clothing - Providing ample water to drink or douse unconscious victim with water & fan off person - Call 911/Public Safety or Work Control on radio for medical assistance

Heat Stress Prevention Did I mention drink plenty of fluids throughout the day?? Drink plenty of water, gatorade, or powerade before you feel thirsty and keep on drinking Ensure your coworker is drinking plenty of fluids and watch each other for signs of heat stress Get out of the heat/sunshine if you are feeling too hot REMEMBER – it takes the body 3 to 5 days to acclimatize to heat