According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), heatstroke is the most serious heat-related disorder and occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to the loss of water and salt, typically through sweating. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
● Excessive sweating
● Weakness or fatigue
● Dizziness and/or confusion
● Clammy skin
● Muscle cramps
● Flushed complexion
There are precautions that can be taken any time temperatures are high and the job involves physical work.
To Prevent Heat Illness:
● Provide a lot of cool water to workers.
At least one pint of water per hour is needed.● Designate a responsible person to monitor conditions
Hot Weather Safety Tips:
● Stay hydrated.
○ Drink plenty of fluids; drink about 16 ounces before starting and 5 to 7 ounces every 15 or 20 minutes.
● Avoid dehydrating liquids.
○ Alcohol, coffee, tea, and caffeinated soft drinks can hurt more than help.
● Wear protective clothing.
● Lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting ● Pace yourself.
● Schedule frequent breaks.
● Use a damp rag.
○ Wipe your face or put it around your neck.
● Avoid getting sunburn.
○ Use sunscreen and wear a hat if working outside.
● Be alert to signs of heat-related illness.
○ Know what to look for and check on other workers that might be at high risk of overheating.
● Avoid direct sun.
○ Find shade or block out the sun if possible.
○ Download the Heat Safety App
The App allows workers and supervisors to calculate the heat index for their worksite, and, based on the heat index, displays a risk level to outdoor workers. Then, with a simple "click," you can get reminders about the protective measures that should be taken at that risk level to protect workers from heat-related illness-reminders about drinking enough fluids, scheduling rest breaks, planning for and knowing what to do in an emergency, adjusting work operations, and monitoring each other for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.
