What you need to know about heat-induced illnesses
Much of the country has been experiencing record high temperatures, putting individuals who work outdoors in direct sunlight or in hot environments at risk for heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress, heat exhaustion or the more serious heat stroke. What are the signs of heat-induced illnesses and what precautions can be taken to reduce the chances of illness or death?
Answer: The combination of heat and humidity can be deadly for those who work outdoors or in hot environments such as in a kitchen, laundry or bakery. Here are some precautions from OSHA:
- Drink water frequently—about one cup every 15 minutes.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing—cotton is good.
- Take frequent short breaks in cool shade.
- Eat smaller meals before work activity.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
- Work in the shade.
- Use cooling fans.
- Find out from your health care provider if your medications and heat don’t mix.
- Know that equipment, such as respirators or work suits, can increase heat stress.
You also need to be prepared to recognize and deal with heat-related disorders.
Heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are: headache, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting; weakness and moist skin; mood changes such as irritability or confusion; and upset stomach or vomiting.
Heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke are: dry, hot skin with no sweating; mental confusion or losing consciousness; and seizures or convulsions.
What to do. If a co-worker experiences a heat-related illness, call 911 or your local emergency number at once. While waiting for help to arrive:
- Move the worker to a cool, shaded area.
- Loosen or remove heavy clothing.
- Provide cool drinking water.
- Fan and mist the person with water.
Source:OSHA Fact Sheet: Working Outdoors in Warm Climates (http://osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/working_outdoors.pdf) and OSHA Quick Card Protect Yourself Heat Stress (http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3154.pdf).
Reprinted with permission. © CCH
<p> What you need to know about heat-induced illnesses
Much of the country has been experiencing record high temperatures, putting individuals who work outdoors in direct sunlight or in hot environments at risk for heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress, heat exhaustion or the more serious heat stroke. What are the</p>