Heat Related Illnesses and Injuries

 

When your body is unable to cool itself through sweating, serious heat illnesses may occur. The most severe heat-induced illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If actions are not taken to treat heat exhaustion, the illness could progress to heat stroke and you could possi­bly die.

Heat exhaustion

·               headaches

·               dizziness/lightheadedness

·               weakness

·               mood changes (irritable, or confused or can’t think straight)

·               feeling sick to your stomach

·               vomiting/throwing up

·               decreased and dark colored urine

·               fainting/passing out; pale clammy skin

Heat stroke—A medical emergency

·               Dry pale skin (no sweating)

·               hot red skin (looks like a sunburn)

·               mood changes (irritable, confused or not making any sense)

·               seizures/fits

·               collapse/passed out (will not respond)

Things you can do to prevent difficulties from heat related illnesses and injuries:

·               Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-induced illnesses and what you can do to help yourself or a fellow employee.

·               Use the buddy system (work in pairs) when working in hot conditions.

§    Drink plenty of cool water (one small cup every 15-20 minutes).

·               Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable (like cotton) clothing.

·               Avoid eating large meals before working in hot environments.

·               Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages (these beverages make your body lose water and increase the risk for heat illnesses).

·               Slowly build up tolerance to the heat and your work activity (usually takes about two weeks).

·               Do your heaviest work in the coolest part of the day.

·               Take frequent short breaks in cool shaded areas. This allows your body to cool down.

You are at increased risk when you:

·               Take certain medications. Check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacy and ask if any medi­cines you are taking affect you while working in hot environments.

·               Have had a heat-induced illness in the past.

·               Wear some personal protective equipment such as respirators or protective suits.