It's hot out! In fact, it's so hot, some areas are experiencing a major heatwave: businesses and municipal buildings are shutting down, pools are overflowing, and sprinklers and hoses are selling out at stores.
In times like these, your workers may be exposed to extremely hot environments for long periods. When the human body is unable to regulate a normal temperature, heat illnesses can occur and sometimes result in death. Hot work environments may also exist indoors, so we wanted to share some resources below to prevent workplace heat stress.
Protecting Workers From The Effects of Heat
What Is Heat Illness?
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| Photo courtesy of http://www.nws.noaa.gov
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Heat Stroke is the most serious heat-related health problem.
Heat stroke occurs when the body's temperature regulating system fails and body temperature rises to critical levels (greater than 104°F). This is a medical emergency that may result in death! ...
Top Symptoms of Heat Stress
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| High body temperature is a primary sign of heat illness |
Heat stress, from exertion or hot environments, places workers at risk for illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or heat cramps. Here are some symptoms to look for:
Heat Stroke
- High body temperature
- Confusion
- Loss of coordination
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Throbbing headache
- Seizures, coma
Heat Exhaustion
- Rapid heart beat
- Heavy sweating
- Extreme weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting
- Irritability
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Slightly elevated body temperature
Want to post the symptoms in your workplace? Take a look at this PDF from the CDC.
Do you have more questions about preventing heat stress? Contact Chris Schneider, CIH, at 610.524.5525 x14 or click here to Email Chris.
A Helpful Video on Heat Stress