Knowing how to protect yourself and your employees from heat-related illness and injury in the workplace is important – and can save lives. It’s important to know exactly what to do in the case of this type of emergency, especially if you work in an industry vulnerable to extreme weather conditions such as outdoor work, or work involving direct or radiant heat sources, or extreme physical exertion. Operations such as construction, landscaping, rescue operations, oil and well operations, and hazardous wastes sites all have a higher risk of these types of heat related injuries.
Every year, thousands of workers become ill due to occupational heat exposure, and many die. However, these deaths are preventable.
Firstly, how does the body cool itself off? When someone is working in a hot environment, the body tries to maintain a stable internal temperature by attempting to rid itself of excess heat. It does this by circulating blood to closer to the skin and by sweating.
When the air temperature is as warm or warmer than the body’s normal temperature, it becomes more difficult for it to cool itself off. Blood circulated to the skin cannot lose heat fast enough, and sweating then becomes the main way the body cools off. But sweating is only effective when the humidity level is low enough to allow evaporation, and if the fluids and electrolytes that are lost are replaced.
The body will store any heat that it is unable to lose. At this point, the core temperature will rise and in turn, the heart rate increases. As the body continues to store heat, the person begins to lose concentration and has difficulty focusing on a task, may become irritable or sick, and often loses the desire to drink. Death can follow if the person is not cooled down.
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What are the signs of heat-related illnesses?
There are several different kinds of injuries and illnesses that are a result of excessive heat exposure. Heat rash, cramps, heat exhaustion, burns, and heat stroke are just to name a few.
Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion is a less serious condition than heat stroke. Symptoms can include:
- Normal or only slightly elevated body temperature
- Cool, moist (clammy), pale skin
- Sweating (sometimes heavily)
- Headache
- Nausea/vomiting
- Dizziness/weakness/fatigue
- Rapid pulse
- Decreased blood pressure
- Dark urine
- Muscle cramps (heat cramps)
- Rapid/shallow breathing
So, what should you do if you find someone suffering from a heat-related illness?
- Move the person to a cooler, shaded area
- Remove any excess clothing, and place cool/damp cloths on skin
- Fan skin
- Provide fluids, especially sports drinks with added electrolytes/sugars
- Ensure the person rests and does not continue working
- If they are experiencing muscle cramps, have them gently stretch while resting
If after you’ve tried the above, and there is no improvement, take them to an emergency room.
Heat stroke, the most severe form of heat illness, occurs when the body’s heat-regulating system is overwhelmed by excessive heat. It is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
Heat exhaustion can escalate into heat stroke, but heat stroke can also seem to appear out of nowhere, so it’s important to pay attention to symptoms and contact 911 when needed.
Symptoms of heat stroke can include:
- Warm, dry skin
- high fever, usually over 104° F (or 40° C)
- Rapid heart rate
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Lethargy
- Stupor
- Seizures, coma, and death are possible
If it is suspected that a person is suffering from heat stroke, move them to a shaded area to rest and immediately call 911. This condition can be severe and life-threatening.
To prevent these types of illnesses, you can follow these steps:
- Rest often when working in the heat. If you are an employer, make sure you are providing adequate rest and water breaks for your workers.
- Drink plenty of fluids, and not just when you’re thirsty
- Take time to build up a tolerance to working long hours in the heat. It takes getting used to and going too fast can cause illness.
- If you can, ensure adequate ventilation and cooling systems are present.
- If you become dizzy, or start to suffer from a headache or nausea – stop, rest, and drink (non alcoholic) fluids.
- Minimize physical activity in the heat when possible
- Get first-aid training so you know what to do in the case of emergency and can recognize the signs of heat stroke.
We hope you work and play safe this summer. If you’re looking for first-aid training near you, please check out our class calendar for dates and locations!
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About F.A.S.T. Rescue
F.A.S.T. Rescue are health and safety experts offering consulting, supplies and training solutions that help make employees safe in the workplace. We’re passionate about health and safety, offering unrivaled value and solutions with a satisfaction guarantee. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.