As summer ramps up into full gear, heat safety must become a priority. People most at risk for heat-related complications include those who work in the heat, young children, the elderly, and people who are ill or are taking certain medications.
It is imperative that employers protect workers from extreme heat.
Heat safety must be a priority and there are multiple precautions employers and workers can take to minimize heat-related illness. Employers should ensure that everyone knows and understands the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses as a first line of defense and that they can identify those symptoms in themselves as well as in their colleagues. Additionally, workers should know the best practices in heat safety and appropriate PPE.
According to OSHA, if working outside in hot weather, the following precautions can help minimize the risk of heat-related illness:
● Working shorter shifts until workers acclimatize to the heat
● Staying hydrated and drinking before you get thirsty
● Watching for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke
● Taking time to rest and cool down
Heat-related illnesses can be prevented, but everyone needs to know the symptoms of each illness and what to do if someone shows signs of one of these illnesses.
Heat rash is an uncomfortable rash that can be caused by blocked sweat glands, which then causes inflammation. Symptoms include red and bumpy skin and prickly or itchy skin.
Heat cramps are involuntary muscle spasms that can occur during heavy lifting and working in hot environments. Symptoms of heat cramps include tightening in the calves, arms, abdominal muscles, or back. According to the CDC, to prevent or hinder heat cramps, immediately stop physical activity and move to a cool place, drink water or a sports drink, and simply wait for the cramps to subside before continuing activity.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excessive water and salt through sweating and is often caused by prolonged exposure to the sun or working in hot temperatures.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Headaches
- Tiredness, weakness, or passing out
- Fast, weak pulse
- Dizziness
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Feeling sick or nauseous
- Heavy sweating
- Pale and clammy skin
- A high temperature
- A loss of appetite
- Extreme thirst.
To prevent heat exhaustion, take regular breaks when working outside, acclimatize to working in the heat, drink plenty of fluids, work in the shade when possible, wear clothes that allow airflow, and wear a hat or other clothing to shield your face from the sun (unless a helmet is the appropriate PPE).
If heat exhaustion symptoms are present, the CDC says to move to a cool place, loosen clothing, apply cool, wet cloths (or take a cool bath), and sip water. Seek medical intervention immediately if a person is throwing up, symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
Heat exhaustion can quickly escalate to heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke include:
- High body temperature (103°F or higher)
- Hot, red, dry, or damp skin and sweating has usually stopped
- Fast, strong pulse and rapid breathing
- Headache, dizziness, and/or confusion
- Nausea
- Irrational behavior
- Losing consciousness (passing out) or convulsions
According to the CDC, if heat stroke symptoms are present, immediately call 911 because heat stroke is a medical emergency. Then move the person to a cooler place and help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath.
Sun safety
When working outdoors, OSHA recommends wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, Wearing UV-absorbent sunglasses that protect the eyes from both UVA and UVB rays, drinking water every 15 minutes, and taking regular breaks in cool or air-conditioned areas.
For more information about heat and sun safety, go to https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/extreme-heat-safety.html or https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/signs-symptoms/. United Tool and Fastener carries a variety of heat PPE such as water, sports drinks and popsicles, hats, visors, sun shades, cooling towels, and protective eyewear in addition to generators.
