Vol.25 | No.20 | Week of 05-19-25

WORKING IN HOT WEATHER

Date:
Job Name:

Report any
symptoms to
your supervisor
right away.

!

Supervisor Signature:

The combination of heat, humidity and physical labor can lead to a variety of heat-related illnesses. Proper protection and simple precautions can often prevent these types of illnesses and save lives.

There are several common heat-related illnesses, some more severe than others. It is important that everyone is aware of the signs and symptoms and know when to seek medical help.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are painful spasms of the muscles. The muscles used in doing the work are most susceptible. The spasms are caused by the failure of the body to replace its lost body salts and usually occur after heavy sweating.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is caused by loss of body water and salt through excessive sweating. Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include: heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, visual disturbances, intense thirst, nausea, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, breathlessness, palpitations, tingling and numbness of the hands and feet. Recovery occurs after resting in a cool area and consuming cool salted drinks.

Heat Stroke & Hyperthermia

Heat stroke & hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) are the most serious types of heat illnesses and require immediate medical attention. Signs of heat stroke include body temperature often greater than 104°F, and complete or partial loss of consciousness. The signs of heat hyperthermia are similar except that the skin remains moist. Sweating is not a good symptom of heat stress as there are two types of heat stroke:

• Classical is where there is little or no sweating (usually occurs in children, persons who are chronically ill, and the elderly); and
• Exertional is where body temperature rises because of strenuous exercise or work and sweating is usually present.

Tips to Reduce Heat-Related Injury

• Drink water: A person working in a hot environment loses water and salt through sweat. This loss should be compensated by water intake equal to the fluid loss. Plenty of cool drinking water should be available on the job site and workers should be encouraged to drink water every 15 to 20 minutes even if they do not feel thirsty.

• Protect yourself from the sun: Use sunscreen with sun protection factor of at least 15 to block 93% of UV rays. Wearing UV absorbent shades should block 99% of UVA and UVB rays. Also, wear a hat and use screens or umbrellas to create shaded areas.

• Wear light, loose fitting clothing: Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothing that permits sweat evaporation but stops radiant heat. Tightly woven clothing that you cannot see through is best.

• Use fans or air conditioning: Ventilation, localized air conditioning, and cooled observation booths are commonly used to provide cool work stations. Cooled observation booths allow workers to cool down after brief periods of intense heat exposure while still allowing them to monitor equipment.

• Allow flexibility: Make sure to take regular, frequent breaks and permit less physically demanding activities during peak temperature periods. Rest periods in a cooler area can easily prevent or reduce heat-related illnesses.

It is easy to get caught up in the job and forget about the importance of staying hydrated and taking regular breaks. Heat illnesses can occur quickly, and if the victim isn’t treated, the situation can become life threatening. Watch out for signs of heat illness in yourself and your co-worker.

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