Summer is on the way and temperatures will be on the rise. And so will the risk of heat-related illnesses. All employees should understand that heat-related illnesses are serious; they can even kill you.

The purpose of this briefing is to make you aware of the common forms of heat illness, their symptoms and signs and what to do if you or a co-worker is suffering from them.

Heat Stroke:

Confusion, irrational behavior, loss of consciousness, convulsions; a lack of sweating, hot/dry skin, high body temperature. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and should be treated accordingly.

Heat Exhaustion:

Headache, nausea, vertigo, weakness, thirst, fainting and giddiness. Be alert that the symptoms for heat exhaustion and heat stroke are similar and should be treated with an abundance of caution.

Heat Collapse:

Fainting. Typically occurs with employees not yet acclimated with the hot temperatures.

Heat Rashes:

Red, prickly rash appearing in the area of restrictive clothing. Typically disappears with the reduction in temperature.

Heat Fatigue:

Impaired performance (especially in high concentration tasks) and lethargy. Typically occurs with employees not acclimated to high temperatures.

Please see your supervisor if you have any questions or concerns, or would like more complete information.

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