Summer is rapidly approaching. Although summer is not officially here yet, temperatures are starting to soar. Employees working outdoors are susceptible to heat and sun related illnesses each day they work. Indoor employees can also suffer with just little exposure to the heat.

Preventing Heat & Sun Related Illnesses

• Dress for the heat: Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats. Lightweight polyester clothing is available with SPF ratings.
• Drink water: Carry water with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid caffeine (and alcohol!), which dehydrate the body.
• Eat small meals and eat more often: Avoid foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• Stay indoors when possible. If you go outdoors, be sure to use sunscreen (minimum SPF 30).
• Take regular breaks. If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing the signs of a heat-related illness, stop activity and find a cool place.

Recognizing Heat-Related Illness

Heat-related illness usually comes in stages. The signal of the first stage is heat cramps in muscles. These cramps can be very painful. If you or a coworker are experiencing heat cramps, stop activity and rest. Drink small amounts of cool water. Gently stretch the cramped muscle and hold the stretch for about 20 seconds, then gently massage the muscle. Repeat these steps if necessary. If the you or a coworker have no other signals of heat-related illness, resume activity after the cramps stop.

The signals of the next, more serious stage of a heat-related illness (often called heat exhaustion) include:

• Cool, moist, pale skin (the skin may be red immediately following physical activity).
• Headache.
• Dizziness and weakness or exhaustion.
• Nausea.
• The skin may or may not feel hot.

The signals of the late stage of a heat-related illness (often called heat stroke) include:

• Vomiting.
• Decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness.
• High body temperature (sometimes as high as 105^oF).
• Skin may still be moist or the victim may stop sweating and the skin may be red, hot and dry.
• Rapid, weak pulse.
• Rapid, shallow breathing.
  
  This late stage of a heat-related illness is life threatening. Call 911 immediately.

General Care for Heat-Related Illness

• Cool the body
• Keep body hydrated
• Minimize shock

For heat cramps or heat exhaustion:

Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or wet sheets. Call 911 if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.

For heat stroke:

Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. Call 911. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, wrap them in a cloth and place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. (Do not use rubbing alcohol because it closes the skin's pores and prevents heat loss.) Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down. Identifying individuals suffering heat-related illness is critical. As we move into the summer months, ensure that employees are aware of the symptoms and treatment measures. A little goes a long way in preventing heat and sun related illnesses.

Download this alert as a PDF file

 

Return to the top