Every year, thousands of people become ill from heat exposure; some cases even result in serious illness or death. Heat illnesses and deaths are preventable and the risk of developing them can be reduced with appropriate precautions. Share this information with your policyholders to help them keep their employees safe this summer.
Heat stress is a condition caused by elevated body temperature; when precautions are not taken, body temperature can rise to dangerous levels. Heat illnesses include heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
If anyone becomes ill from the heat, it is crucial to seek help from those around you. If possible, move the distressed person to a shady area, remove outer layers of clothing and provide drinking water. If the person is red, hot to the touch, seems confused or is not alert and not sweating, this may be heat stroke. Call 911 immediately and apply ice as soon as possible.
Risk factors that may lead to heat stress include:
- High temperature and humidity
- Direct sun exposure
- No breeze or wind
- Low liquid intake
- Heavy physical labor
- Wearing waterproof clothing
- Employees not acclimated to hot environments
Symptoms of heat stress include:
- Headache
- Dizziness or fainting
- Weakness and wet skin
- Irritability or confusion
- Thirst, nausea or vomiting
There are precautions employers should take if temperatures are high and their employees have jobs involving physical work.
- Provide training about the hazards that lead to heat stress and how to prevent them.
- Provide plenty of cool water to employees close to the work area; at least one pint of water per hour is needed.
- Take steps that help employees become acclimated to high temperatures, especially those new to the environment, by gradually increasing workloads and allowing more frequent breaks during their first few days.
- Rotate job functions among employees to help minimize overexertion and heat exposure.
- Have an emergency plan in place that specifies what to do if someone has signs of a heat-related illness, and ensure medical services are available if needed.
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