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Heat Stroke Safety Talk

Heat stress creates many hazards in the workplace for those employees who have to work in a hot environment. Hot environments can create indirect safety hazards, such as causing employees to lose focus on their work tasks or causing fatigue. Heat stress also causes more direct illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. According to the CDC, an average of 702 heat-related deaths occur in the United States annually. Additionally, there are 67,512 emergency department visits due to heat annually, on average.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. This illness can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs. Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures — usually in combination with dehydration — which leads to failure of the body’s temperature control system. If someone who is exhibiting signs of heat stroke is not properly treated immediately, then there can be permanent health issues or death.

Prevention of Heat Illnesses

• Allow for acclimation to hot environments. It can take two weeks before an individual’s body is used to working in a hot environment.
• Take plenty of breaks in a cool or shaded area.
• Drink plenty of water before you are thirsty.
• Keep an eye on coworkers. Monitor each other for signs of heat illness.

Signs of Heat Stroke
(source: www.WebMD.com)

• Fainting may be the first sign
• Dizziness
• Lack of sweating
• Red, hot, and dry skin
• Rapid heartbeat or breathing
• Confusion
• Vomiting

Treatment of Heat Stroke

• Alert your supervisor and call 911 immediately
• Take worker to a shaded or cooler area if possible
• Apply cool water to their body or place them in a shower or tub of cool water
• Place ice packs in their armpit and groin areas, if available, to help lower their core temperature

Summary

It is important to prevent heat illnesses before they become an issue in the workplace. Knowing the signs, symptoms, and treatment of heat illnesses, especially heat stroke, can save someone’s life. When in doubt, always call 911 to get an individual the proper treatment they need.

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Heat Stress Safety Talk

Heat stress can be a killer on the job site and at home. According to the CDC, an average of 702 heat-related deaths occur in the United States annually. Additionally, there are 67,512 emergency department visits due to heat annually, on average. Outside of the direct consequences such as heat stroke, heat stress can cause incidents on the job due to loss of focus or excessive fatigue.

Heat-Related Illnesses
(Source: www.WebMD.com)

Heat Cramps: Are painful, brief muscle cramps. Muscles may spasm or jerk involuntarily. Heat cramps can occur during exercise or work in a hot environment, or begin a few hours later.

Heat Exhaustion: There are two types of heat exhaustion. 1. Water depletion- Signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and loss of consciousness. 2. Salt depletion- Signs include nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness.

Heat Stroke– Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. Heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs. Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures — usually in combination with dehydration — which leads to failure of the body’s temperature control system.

Medical Response

If anyone is displaying symptoms of a heat-related illness, it is important to get them the proper medical attention they need before the problem turns into heat stroke. For people displaying symptoms of heat exhaustion, have them stop work and get to a shaded area. The affected person needs to consume water or electrolyte-replacing sports drinks. The person should not return to work the rest of the day.

For anyone who is displaying symptoms of a heat stroke, immediate medical attention is needed. Delaying calling 911 could result in irreversible injuries or death. Symptoms of heat stroke include fainting, throbbing headache, dizziness, lack of sweating, vomiting, or behavioral changes such as confusion. The person should be cooled down immediately in a shaded area or indoors. DO NOT put ice-cold water on the victim, as this can cause shock. Use cool water to lower the body temperature of the victim. Remove any unnecessary clothing and fan the victim until medics arrive.

Safe Work Practices to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses

• Allow for acclimatization to a hot environment before any strenuous work begins. It takes roughly two weeks for an individual to acclimate to a hot environment.
• Drink plenty of water during strenuous activities, especially in hot environments. An average person sweats between roughly 27 oz. to 47 oz. per hour during intense labor. To put that amount into perspective, an average water bottle holds 16.9oz.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors where there is AC.

Summary

Take heat stress seriously. Know the signs and symptoms of heat stress. Have a plan to get the proper medical attention for any individual displaying symptoms of heat stress. When dealing with heat stroke especially, it may mean the difference between life and death.

Heat Stress