It is that time of year when the sun rays are more direct and radiant heat directly from the sun and ground (concrete, asphalt, turf, etc.) can take its toll on workers who perform most of their occupational duties outside.
Heat Stress Risks:
- Your physical condition including; poor physical condition, high blood pressure, diabetes, pregnancy, cold, flu and certain types of medication
- Not acclimated to heat
- Amount of heat, humidity, direct sunlight and wind can vary heat exposure
- Weight, frequency and type of physical activity
- Type of clothing worn by workers
- Amount and type of protective clothing you must wear in addition to normal clothing
- Lack of water, shade or cooling areas
Heat exposure can make you tired and can affect your thinking ability and safety performance.
Symptoms of heat exposure:
- Heat Stress. Your body losses water and can become dehydrated when exposed to heat. You become thirsty and your body has a difficult time staying cool.
- Heat Exhaustion. You feel tired or faint, the skin becomes “flush”, and dizziness, muscle cramps or skin rash may occur. In addition, nausea/vomiting symptoms are possible.
- Heat Stroke. Skin typically becomes hot and dry. Confusion, convulsions, and unconsciousness are possible. Heat Stroke is the most dangerous form of heat exposure and can be fatal unless you get immediate medical help.
How to protect yourself from heat:
- Know the symptoms of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Employees not used to heat exposure need to become gradually “acclimated” to heat. Take extra care in the first two weeks of exposure to heat.
- Try to perform the heaviest work first thing in the morning or towards the end of the day when heat exposure is less.
- Use mechanical equipment whenever possible to eliminate or reduce manual material handling in heat.
- Use a buddy system to perform ongoing “condition checks”.
- Have frequent rest breaks in a cool spot or shade.
- Have plenty of water (at least a pint an hour) available to drink before and during times of heat exposure. Stay away from caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
- Wear light color clothing made of cotton (as it “breathes”). Use waterproof clothing sparingly (it does not “breathe”).
- Take turns with other workers performing heavy work or manual tasks.
- Check with your doctor if you think that poor health or medication can increase the effects of heat exposure.
- Remember the sun rays can burn your skin. Take precautions to protect your skin (hat, long sleeve clothing, etc.), eyes (sunglasses), and use sunscreen.
What to do when a worker is ill from heat exposure:
- Call a supervisor for help. If the supervisor is not available, call 911.
- Have someone stay with the worker until help arrives.
- Move the worker to a cooler/shaded area.
- Remove outer clothing.
- Fan and mist the worker with water; apply ice (icebags or ice towels).
- Provide cool drinking water, if able to drink.
- IF THE WORKER IS NOT ALERT or seems confused, this may be a heat stroke. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY and apply ice as soon as possible.
A note about heat exposure on the home front - do not leave children or pets in parked cars! Even in cool temperatures, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes. Anyone left inside is at risk for serious heat-related illnesses or even death. Children and pets that are left unattended in parked cars are at greatest risk for heat stroke, and possibly death.
References:
OSHA, “Protecting Workers from Heat Stress”
CDC, “Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety”
Jim Yale is a Senior Risk Control Representative out of St. Charles, Illinois. Jim brings 23 years of multi-line experience having worked with national carriers and an insurance agent in the areas of; Loss Control, Industrial Hygiene and managing/ servicing large national accounts. He holds a B.S. in Occupational Health and Safety and Industrial Technology from Illinois State University.
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