The weather forecast predicts multiple days this week with temperatures in excess of 100° F.
If you work outside, it’s critical to prepare for the heat. If you become overheated, you are at greater exposure to heat-related disorders. These include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Here are a few tips to help avoid heat exposure:
- Drink small amounts of water frequently.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing—cotton is good. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Take frequent short breaks in the cool shade.
- Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Be sure to follow the application directions on the bottle or tube.
- Wear a hat. A wide brim hat, not a baseball cap, works best because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.
First aid information for heat and sun exposures can be obtained from either OSHA or from your doctor.
Extended exposure to heat and the sun complicate threats to your safety. Here is a listing from OSHA of heat-related illnesses. These are listed from lesser conditions to more severe.
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, is skin irritation caused by sweat that does not evaporate from the skin. Heat rash is the most common problem in hot work environments.
Heat cramps are caused by the loss of body salts and fluid during sweating. Low salt levels in muscles cause painful cramps. Tired muscles—those used for performing the work—are usually the ones most affected by cramps. Cramps may occur during or after working hours.
Heat exhaustion is the body's response to loss of water and salt from heavy sweating. Signs include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, and heavy sweating.
Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat-related illness. This condition occurs when the body becomes unable to regulate its core temperature. Sweating stops and the body can no longer rid itself of excess heat. Signs include confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that may result in death! Call 911 immediately.
If you work outside in the heat, please be careful. If you feel dizzy, tired, or become disoriented, remove yourself from your work site and find a safe, shaded place to rest. Notify your supervisor immediately. Your safety and that of your team could be at risk.