Here’s a model briefing on heat stress that you can adapt and distribute to your workers.

HEAT STRESS
HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT AND WHAT TO DO

THE HEAT EQUATION
HIGH TEMPERATURE + HIGH HUMIDITY + PHYSICAL ACTIVITY =
HEAT ILLNESS

When the body gains heat faster than it can get rid of it, serious and potentially fatal heat illnesses may occur.

HEAT CRAMPS

DESCRIPTION: Painful muscle spasms caused by loss of salt from excessive sweating.

SYMPTOMS: Muscular pain and excessive sweating

WHAT TO DO:

• Get victim to rest in a cool place
• Give victim cool drinks sprinkled with salt and salty foods, but not salt tablets
• Remove wet or tight clothing that may restrict flow of blood to affected area
• Rest alone isn’t enough. If cramps continue, seek medical help

******

HEAT EXHAUSTION

DESCRIPTION: A more advanced and serious stage of heat stress

SYMPTOMS:

• General fatigue, weakness and poor muscle control
• Dizziness, fainting
• Headache, nausea
• Pale, cool, clammy skin
• Heavy sweating
• Cramps
• Rapid pulse, shallow breathing

WHAT TO DO:

• Heat exhaustion is life-threatening. Get medical help at once
• Check victim’s airway, breathing and circulation. Give CPR, if needed
• Cool victim with sponge or spray, covering with cold wet cloths, placing ice packs under armpits and groin, and fanning
• Move victim to cool area
• Loosen or remove outer clothing
• If victim is conscious, give him cool drinks with salt sprinkled in and salty foods but not salt tablets

********

HEAT STROKE

DESCRIPTION: A condition in which the body’s temperature rises above 41oC and which if not treated immediately may result in coma, brain damage or death

SYMPTOMS:

• Hot, dry flushed skin, usually with no sweating
• Agitation and confusion
• Headache, nausea and vomiting
• Irregular pulse
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Possible seizure and loss of consciousness
• Possible shock and cardiac arrest

WHAT TO DO:

• Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Get medical help at once
• Check victim’s airway, breathing and circulation. Give CPR, if needed
• Cool victim with sponge or spray, covering with cold wet cloths, placing ice packs under armpits and groin, and fanning
• Move victim to cool area
• Loosen or remove outer clothing
• If victim is conscious, give him cool drinks with salt sprinkled in and salty foods but not salt tablets

*******

7 WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF

1. Learn to recognize the symptoms of heat stress and how to treat them
2. Understand that you’re at particular risk if you’re overweight, out of shape, over 40 years of age, have pre-existing medical conditions, use medication that block sweating, abuse drugs or alcohol or have had heat stress before
3. Try to do the most physically demanding jobs during the coolest part of the day
4. On hot days, drink about two glasses (1/2 litre) of water before starting work and one glass every 20 minutes while working
5. Wear loose clothes made of cotton, silk and other fabrics that let air pass through. If working outside, wear lighter colors that reflect rather than absorb heat
6. Wear temperature-controlled and/or anti-radiant heat or reflective clothing if instructed
7. Take frequent breaks in a cool spot

Story Tools:  Email This Post  Print This Post Top