Brooke Smith Safety Manager View Bio

When the human body is unable to maintain a normal temperature, heat illness can occur and even result in death.  Every day, but especially in summer, it is of the utmost importance to monitor workers’ health, recognize hot environments, and to provide workers with cold liquids and a cool place to retreat for breaks.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses can prevent death and long term health problems.  Here are some simple tips from our Risk Management team to stay “in the know” when it comes to working in the  heat:

Heat Stroke

  • Body temp rises above 104°F
  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Seizures
  • Sweating stops

If someone is experiencing heat stroke, get medical help immediately and take the following actions:

  • Move the person to a cool or shady area
  • Remove as much clothing as possible
  • Wet the person with cool water or ice
  • Circulate air

Heat Exhaustion

  • Body temp greater than 100.4°F
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Irritability
  • Confusion
  • Thirst
  • Heavy sweating

If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, take them to a clinic or emergency room for evaluation and treatment.  In the meantime, treat the symptoms in the following ways:

  • Move the person to a cool or shady area
  • Encourage frequent sips of cool water
  • Administer a cold compress to the head, neck, and face

Heat Cramps are muscle pains caused by loss of body salts and fluid.  Workers experiencing heat cramps should drink water and/or carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement liquids every 15-20 minutes.

Heat Rash is caused by sweating and looks like a red cluster of small blisters.  The area should be kept dry.  Powder may be applied, however, stay away from ointments and creams that make the skin moist.

Here are a few ways for employers to prevent heat illness on a worksite:

  • Designate a person trained to recognize hazards, respond to ill workers, and administer treatment
  • Modify work schedules
  • Recognize heat hazards on worksites
  • Ensure that cool drinking water is available and accessible
  • Gradually increase workloads and exposure to give workers time to acclimate to tough working environments
  • Provide heat illness training to workers
  • Establish a system to monitor signs in order to improve early detection and action
  • Have and emergency plan in place
  • Engineer controls such as increased ventilation and air conditioning to indoor workplaces

To learn more, read OSHA’s heat illness guide by clicking here.