Health & Safety - Heat Stress Disorders Although summer heat is the largest cause of heat stress disorder, it may also occur when workers are exposed to confined areas such as pipelines, shipboard spaces with limited ventilation, and any confined area involving welding or cutting. Symptoms The symptoms of heat stress disorders are very slow to start, but increase in intensity if precautions are not taken. The onset of the initial symptoms are mild and usually involve headaches, thirst, and tiredness. Heat stress can move to heat stroke, a life-threatening medical emergency, quickly when the body's natural cooling system breaks down and causes the...

Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses When the body heats up faster than it can cool itself, mild to severe illnesses may develop. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and understand how to prevent, control and respond to their effects. Air temperature, humidity and clothing can increase the risk of developing heat-related illnesses. So can age, sex, weight, physical fitness, nutrition, alcohol or drug use, or pre-existing diseases like diabetes. How can you prevent or control heat-related illnesses? Drink water - Drink small amounts of water frequently, about a cup every 15-20 minutes. (Alcohol increases the loss of body fluids.) Limit exposure time...

Sun Protection, No Skin off your Nose A suntan may look and feel good, but the sun’s rays can cause serious problems, when exposure is excessive. Radiation from the sunlight damages the skin. Besides sunburn it has been known to cause various types of skin cancer, including deadly melanomas. Having tanned or naturally dark skin does not eliminate the need for sun protection against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The best precaution is to stay out of the sun as much as possible, but if your job requires you to be outdoors in the sun, wear sunscreen and cover your skin...