03 Jun Heat Exhaustion

Heat Exhaustion

Working in hot environments can place significant stress on the body. Heat, humidity, direct sunlight, strenuous physical activity, heavy or impermeable clothing, and inadequate hydration can contribute to heat-related illness.

Heat can also affect concentration, coordination, reaction time, and judgment, increasing the potential for workplace accidents. Employees should recognize heat-related hazards and take precautions before symptoms develop.

Preventing Heat-Related Illness

Everyone working in hot conditions should take precautions. Employees who are new to working in the heat or returning after an extended absence may be especially vulnerable and should be gradually acclimatized to hot working conditions.

To reduce the risk:

• Drink water frequently throughout the work period. Do not wait until you are thirsty.
• Take rest breaks in shaded, air-conditioned, or otherwise cool areas as needed.
• Schedule strenuous work during cooler portions of the day whenever practical.
• Gradually increase workloads for employees who are not acclimatized to the heat.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, breathable clothing when appropriate for the work.
• Consider the additional heat burden created by protective clothing and PPE.
• Avoid alcohol before and during work in hot conditions.
• Limit excessive caffeine and high-sugar beverages that may interfere with adequate hydration.
• Eat regular, balanced meals.
• Use engineering controls such as ventilation, fans, air conditioning, shielding, or other cooling methods when practical.
• Use a buddy system or otherwise monitor employees working in high-heat conditions.
• Know the symptoms of heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
• Immediately report signs or symptoms of heat-related illness to a supervisor.

Certain medications and personal risk factors can affect an individual’s ability to tolerate heat. Employees should follow appropriate medical advice without being required to disclose unnecessary medical information to coworkers.

Recognizing Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excessive water and salt, usually through sweating. Symptoms may include:

• Heavy sweating
• Headache
• Dizziness, weakness, or fatigue
• Irritability
• Thirst
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cool, pale, or clammy skin
• Muscle cramps
• Rapid heartbeat
• Elevated body temperature
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Fainting or loss of consciousness in severe cases

A lack of sweating should not be considered a typical sign of heat exhaustion. Hot, dry skin or altered mental status may indicate heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.

What to Do for Heat Exhaustion

If a worker develops symptoms of heat exhaustion:

1. Stop work immediately and move the person to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned location.
2. Notify the supervisor and do not leave the affected employee alone.
3. Remove unnecessary outer clothing and PPE.
4. Cool the person with cold, wet cloths, water, fans, or other available cooling methods.
5. If the person is alert and able to swallow normally, provide frequent small amounts of cool drinking water.
6. Seek medical evaluation if symptoms worsen or do not improve promptly.
7. Call 911 or obtain emergency medical assistance immediately if the employee becomes confused, loses consciousness, has a seizure, cannot drink, or shows signs of heat stroke.

Do not give fluids to an unconscious or confused person or anyone unable to swallow safely.

Heat Stroke – A Medical Emergency

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and can cause permanent disability or death if emergency treatment is delayed.

Warning signs may include:

• Confusion, unusual behavior, or slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Very high body temperature
• Hot skin that may be dry or sweaty

If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately and begin aggressive cooling while waiting for emergency medical services. Move the employee to a cooler location, remove unnecessary clothing, and cool the body with cold water, wet towels, ice, fans, or other available methods.

Do not leave the employee alone.

Remember

Heat-related illness is preventable. Drink water frequently, take appropriate rest breaks, acclimatize gradually, watch your coworkers, and report symptoms early. Never ignore confusion, fainting, or other signs of heat stroke.