Rob Coppola Senior Account Executive – Construction Insurance Practice Group View Bio

Take Precautions to Prevent Heat Illness

Working outside, you know that the weather can have an impact on your day. Hot weather, especially when combined with strenuous physical labor, can cause your body temperature to rise to unsafe levels. Normally, your body cools itself through sweating, but in hot and humid weather, sweating is not enough and the result can be a dangerous heat illness.

 

Staying Cool

Follow the suggestions below to stay cool when working in hot weather:

  • Wear loose, light-colored clothing when possible, along with a hard hat.
  • Take short breaks to rest in the shade. If wearing outer protective gear, remove during your break. Gradually build up to heavier work.
  • Avoid overexerting yourself during peak temperature periods (midday).
  • Drink liquids frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Aim for drinking at least eight ounces every 20 to 30 minutes. Choose water, fruit juice or sports drinks and stay away from liquids containing caffeine, which can dehydrate you.

 

Keeping Hydrated

The best defense against dehydration is prevention. Consume lots of fluids and foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables. However, the question as to how much fluid can be complex.

Unfortunately, determining appropriate water intake isn’t an exact science, especially because so much depends on age, physical condition, activity level, location and body chemistry. The best overall approach is to make a conscious effort to stay hydrated. In hot weather, skip coffee or soda, and make water your beverage of choice.

On average, adults lose almost 10 cups of water a day simply by doing everyday tasks such as sweating, breathing and going to the bathroom. Electrolytes are also lost. These minerals, which include sodium, potassium and calcium, maintain the balance of fluids in the body. When you are doing physical work, you lose even more fluids and electrolytes.

 

Recognizing the Symptoms

Heat cramps—Symptoms include severe muscle spasms in the back, stomach, arms and legs, which are attributed to the loss of body salt and water during periods of heavy perspiration.

Heat exhaustion—Symptoms include heavy sweating, cool or pale skin, nausea, headache, weakness, vomiting and fast pulse.

Heat stroke—Symptoms include high body temperature, red and often dry skin, rapid breathing and pulse, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, confusion or unconsciousness.

Dehydration—Symptoms include excessive thirst, sleepiness or tiredness, dry mouth, muscle weakness, headache, dizziness or lightheadedness

 

Providing Treatment

It is essential to treat heat illness as soon as possible. If you are feeling any of the above symptoms, inform a co-worker and ask for help. If you suspect that a fellow worker has any of these conditions, follow these first-aid tips:

Heat cramps—Move the victim to a cooler area and allow them to drink approximately six ounces of water every 15 minutes. Follow up with a medical examination.

Heat exhaustion—Move the victim to a cooler area and keep him/her lying down with legs slightly elevated. Cool his/her body by fanning and applying cool, wet towels. If conscious, allow the victim to drink approximately six ounces of water every 15 minutes. Follow up with a medical examination.

Heat stroke—You or a bystander should immediately call an ambulance. Meanwhile, move the victim to a cooler area, remove any outer clothing, immerse him/her in cool water or apply cool, wet towels or cloths to the body. Don’t give the victim liquids. If medical help is delayed, call the hospital for further instructions while waiting. Heat stroke is life- threatening, so it’s important to move quickly.

Dehydration—Take frequent water breaks. Adjust your intake to match your activity level and working conditions to stay healthy and alert. If you begin to feel symptoms of dehydration, don’t ignore them.

 

Safety Reminder

The risk of heat illness increases with age, poor diet, being overweight, insufficient liquid intake, poor physical condition and/or when taking medication (e.g., salt tablets). As such, be sure to discuss your unique risks with your doctor.

In addition, be aware of expected weather conditions each day so that you can be prepared with appropriate clothing and beverages. If you are working and start to feel any adverse symptoms due to heat, inform your supervisor and take a break.

 

In a Pinch? Make Your Own Sports Drink!

Sports beverages with electrolytes can help prevent dehydration, but can also be expensive. To make your own, simply add 1 tsp. salt and 8 tsp. sugar to a quart of water.

 

CLICK HERE for OSHA’s policies and procedures for implementing a National Emphasis Program (NEP) to identify and eliminate or reduce worker exposures to occupational heat-related illnesses and injuries in general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture.

For more safety tips, talk to your supervisor.