What you need to know about working in the heat
Heat-related illnesses accounted for 783 worker deaths and nearly 70,000 serious injuries in the United States from 1992 to 2016. And in 2018 alone, 3,950 workers experienced days away from work as a result of nonfatal injuries and illnesses from on-the-job heat exposure.
“Millions of U.S. workers are exposed to heat in the workplace, and although heat-related illness is preventable, each year thousands of workers are getting sick from their exposure to heat, and some cases are fatal,” Stephen Boyd, deputy regional administrator for OSHA Region 6, said May 19 during an OSHA webinar on preventing heat-related illnesses and injuries.
Working in a hot environment can trigger ailments that include heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke — considered a medical emergency. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include feeling faint or dizzy; excessive sweating; cool, pale, clammy skin; nausea or vomiting; rapid, weak pulse; and muscle cramps. Workers who are experiencing heat exhaustion need to get to a cool, air-conditioned place. If fully conscious, they should drink water, take a cool shower and use a cold compress. Workers with heatstroke may experience a headache but no sweating, and have a body temperature above 103 degrees F. Other symptoms are red, hot, dry skin; nausea or vomiting; and loss of consciousness. Call 911 if a case of heatstroke is suspected, then take action to cool the worker until help arrives.
Other tips from OSHA to help prevent heat-related illnesses include:
• Drink water every 15 minutes.
• If working outside, take rest breaks in the shade to cool down.
• Wear a hat and light-colored clothing when working outdoors.
• Monitor co-workers for symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
OSHA provides employer and worker resources for working in hot weather via its “Water. Rest. Shade.” campaign at www.osha.gov/heat.
Responding to heat stroke, heat exhaustion
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are the two most dangerous heat related illnesses, according to the Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA).The body cools itself naturally by sweating, but when heat and humidity are high, sweating may not be sufficient. This is when problems occur. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels, OSHA states, if actions such as drinking water or resting in a shaded area or an air-conditioned room aren’t taken to cool down.
Employees at risk for heat-related illnesses include outdoor workers(although certain indoor jobs can be hot enough to result in a heat related illness), workers performing heavy tasks and workers wearing bulky protective equipment. Heat exhaustion occurs when a body responds to loss of water and salt due to excessive sweating. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability and thirst. If you believe a co-worker is experiencing heat exhaustion, have the person lie down in a cool, shaded area and provide plenty of water to drink. You also can cool the worker with ice packs or cold compresses. Take the worker to the emergency room if symptoms don’t improve —or worsen — within an hour. Heat stroke occurs when the body can’t regulate its core temperature and stops sweating, leaving it unable to rid itself of excess heat. It can lead to death, so heat stroke should be considered a medical emergency. Signs of heat stroke include fainting, confusion, seizures, hot and dry skin, and a high body temperature. Call 911 if you suspect heat stroke. While waiting for emergency medical responders, OSHA recommends the following actions:
• Ensure the affected worker is in a cool and shaded area.
• Give the worker water as soon as possible.
• Loosen his or her clothing and remove outer clothing.
• Fan air on the worker and place cold packs in his or her armpits.
• Place cool water, ice packs, cold compresses or ice on the worker.
• Stay with the worker until help arrives.
Permission to use/reprint granted by the National Safety Council © 2021
