Preventing Heat Illness

Preventing Heat Illness

How does heat illness happen?

As the summer heat wave continues to roll in, it is important to know the proper precaution to take to prevent heat illness and the signs to recognize it. The body naturally works to cool itself off by sweating and increasing blood flow to the skin. When the body can not properly cool down, at a fast enough rate, the internal body temperature continues to rise. This can cause workers to experience thirst, irritability, cramping, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. Heat stroke is the most severe symptom and cause mental dysfunction. If a worker is experiencing heat stroke, cool them and call 911 immediately.

Ways to Prevent Heat Illness

• Consume adequate fluids. (i.e, water, sports drinks.)

• Schedule work in the mornings.

• Take frequent breaks & rest in the shade or cool areas.

• Have people on site who have received first aid training about heat-related symptoms.

Heat Related Illness                                                        Symptoms & Signs

Heat Stroke                                                         Confusion, Slurred Speech, Seizures, Unconsciousness

Heat Exhaustion                                                Fatigue, Irritability, Nausea or Vomiting, Fast Heart Rate

Rhabdomyolysis (Muscle Breakdown)         Muscle Pain, Dark Urine or Reduced Urine Output, Weakness

First Aid

When the signs and symptoms of heat related illness have been recognized, these are the steps to take to take for first aid:

• Take the affected worker to a cool area.
• Immerse the worker into an ice bath or cold water.
• Remove outer layers of clothing.
• Place ice or cold wet towels on worker’s head, neck, armpits, and groin.
• Use fans to circulate air around worker.
• Never leave worker alone.
• Call 911.