Heat Stress Prevention

• Train supervisors and works to prevent & recognize heat hazards
• Monitor the heat index throughout the day
• Allow time for employees to adjust when possible. It often takes a couple weeks for an employee to become acclimated to a hot environment.
• Adjust the timing of certain activities, if possible. Schedule strenuous work activities during cooler parts of the day
• Provide sufficient rest, shade and fluids
• Watch out for each other and yourself

Dehydration – condition caused by the loss of too much fluid from the body

• Symptoms
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Dark-colored urine
• First Aid Measures
  • Take affected worker to a cooler area
  • Hydrate with water and other cool liquids (sports drinks)

Rhabdomyolysis – condition that occurs when skeletal muscle tissue is damaged and breaks down rapidly

• Symptoms
  • Dark, reddish urine
  • Muscle Aches
  • Weakness
• First Aid Measures
  • Take affected worker to a cooler area
  • Resting body
  • Hydrate with water and other clear liquids (light broth or sports drinks)

Heat Rash – skin condition that occurs when sweat glands and ducts become blocked, trapping sweat in the skin (aka – prickly heat)

• Symptoms
  • Clusters of small, raised bumps on the skin (often appearing on neck, upper chest and in skin folds)
  • Itchy, prickly feeling
  • Mild Swelling
• First Aid Measures
  • Take affected worker to a cooler area
  • Cool area with a damp cloth or ice pack

Heat Syncope – condition that occurs when standing for too long or suddenly standing up after sitting or lying down (dehydration could contribute)

• Symptoms
  • Fainting
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
• First Aid Measures
  • Take affected worker to a cooler area
  • Sit or lie down
  • Slowly drink water or other clear liquids (clear juice or sports drink)

Heat Cramps – condition that occurs when your muscles lose large amount of salt and water during activities in hot environments causing spasms

• Symptoms
  • Muscle spasms or pain (usually in legs, arms, or abdomen)
• First Aid Measures
  • Take affected worker to a cooler area
  • Drink water or other cool liquids (clear juice or sports drink)
  • Gentle, range-of-motion stretching and gentle massage of the affected muscle group
  • Avoid strenuous activity for a few after heat cramps go away

Heat Exhaustion – condition that occurs when the body overheats and loses too much water and salt, through excessive sweating; condition of fatigue and weakness resulting from prolonged exposure to heat

• Symptoms
  • Heavy sweating or cool moist skin
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Irritability
  • Fast heartbeat
• First Aid Measures
  • Take affected worker to a cooler area
  • Drink water or other cool liquids (clear juice or sports drink)
  • Cool worker with cold compresses/ice packs
  • Monitor and get medical evaluation if symptoms worsen or do not improve within 60 minutes
  • Do not resume work that day

Heat Stroke – condition when the body can no longer control its temperature causing it to overheat and create a core body temperature greater than 104°F (aka sun-stroke)

• Symptoms
  • Confusion
  • Fainting/unconsciousness
  • Seizures
  • Excessive sweating or red, hot, dry skin
  • Very high body temperature
• First Aid Measures
  • Call 911
  • Stay with worker until help arrives
  • If possible, take affected worker to a cooler area
  • Provide fluids as soon as possible (water)
  • Remove outer clothing layer
  • Fan air on work; place cold packs in armpits
  • Wet worker with cool water; apply ice packs, cool compresses or ice if available