With the dog days of summer here, it’s important for workers and their supervisors to be able to identify the symptoms and signs of heat illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature, which can rise rapidly, and the body’s sweating mechanism fails to cool it down.

When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106Ί F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

The symptoms of heat stroke include hot, dry skin (no sweating), hallucinations, chills, throbbing headache, high body temperature, confusion/dizziness and slurred speech.

First Aid To treat a worker with heat stroke, take the following steps:
• Call 911 and notify a supervisor;
• Move the sick worker to a cool, shaded area; and
• Cool the worker using methods such as soaking their clothes with water; spraying, sponging, or showering them with water; and fanning their body.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of the water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Workers most prone to heat exhaustion are those that are elderly, have high blood pressure, and those working in a hot environment.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: heavy sweating, extreme weakness or fatigue, dizziness and/or confusion, nausea, clammy, moist skin, pale or flushed complexion, muscle cramps, slightly elevated body temperature, and fast and shallow breathing.

Treat a worker suffering from heat exhaustion with the following:
• Have them rest in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area;
• Have them drink plenty of water or other cool, non-alcoholic beverages; and
• Have them take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.

Syncope

Heat syncope is a fainting (syncope) episode or dizziness that usually occurs with prolonged standing or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position. Factors that may contribute to heat syncope include dehydration and lack of acclimatization. Symptoms of heat syncope include Light-headedness, dizziness and fainting.

Workers with heat syncope should:
• Sit or lie down in a cool place when they begin to feel symptoms; and
• Slowly drink water, clear juice, or a sports beverage.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps usually affect workers who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles cause painful cramps, which may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

Symptoms include muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs. Workers with heat cramps should, stop all activity, and sit in a cool place; drink clear juice or a sports beverage.

Do not return to strenuous work for a few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Seek medical attention if any of the following apply:
• The worker has heart problems;
• The worker is on a low-sodium diet; and
• The cramps do not subside within one hour.

Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. Symptoms include what looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters.

It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.

Workers experiencing heat rash should try to work in a cooler, less humid environment when possible. Keep the affected area dry, and use powder to increase comfort.

Employers should take the following steps to protect workers from heat stress: • Schedule maintenance and repair jobs in hot areas for cooler months;
• Schedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day;
• Acclimatize workers by exposing them for progressively longer periods to hot work environments;
• Reduce the physical demands of workers;
• Use relief workers or assign extra workers for physically demanding jobs;
• Provide cool water or liquids to workers. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar;
• Provide rest periods with water breaks;
• Provide cool areas for use during break periods;
• Monitor workers who are at risk of heat stress; and
• Provide heat stress training that includes information about Worker risk, prevention and symptoms; the importance of monitoring yourself and coworkers for symptoms; treatment and personal protective equipment.

Workers should avoid exposure to extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity when possible. When these exposures cannot be avoided, workers should take the following steps to prevent heat stress:
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton;
• Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing;
• Gradually build up to heavy work;
• Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day;
• Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity;
• Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible;
• Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty;
• Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar;
• Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress; and
• Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers. FSM