Just about every year we blog on preventing heat related emergencies. Plus we include an annual in-depth topic review for first aid response teams. Certainly, most of us know the danger, right? RIGHT?
Shockingly, when stopped at a red light at 10:30 a.m. with the temperature already at 90o F, there were employees working on the roof of a commercial building!! Not even an hour later with temperatures soaring to 100o F in NC, people were running (no exaggeration: one wearing a weighted vest with 2 German Shepherd type dogs — that’s for ANOTHER story!) and landscapers were working. Hopefully all took breaks and drank plenty of cool water!
Obviously, there is a dissonance between KNOWING the dangers, and applying safety measures. So, what is in your Safety Program regarding heat stress prevention?
Below are a few reminders for protecting your employees. We are also happy to send you a PDF of the photo graphic.
First a Quick Overview:
Heat Stroke is the most severe heat related disorder and is a medical emergency that may result in death. Heat strokes occurs when the body’s temperature regulation fails, and body temperature rises to critical levels leading to:
- confusion
- fainting
- seizures
- very high body temperature
- lack of sweating (usually)
- hot, dry skin
Heat stroke it is a serious medical emergency that can lead to multi-organ failure and requires an immediate “911” call. Use wet towels and ice to begin cooling the victim until EMS arrives.
Heat Exhaustion is also a medical emergency but fortunately, this condition responds readily to prompt treatment. However, the condition will worsen if left untreated and heat collapse can occur. Signs and symptoms are:
- headache
- nausea
- vertigo
- weakness
- thirst and
- change in mental status
Removed the person from the hot environment and give fluids to drink. The person should rest and when possible, ice packs and/or cold wet towels should be applied. Seek medical attention if needed.
Heat Cramps can result when performing hard physical labor or exercising in a hot environment. The cause is often an electrolyte imbalance due to sweating, and inadequate water intake leading to cramps. Remind employees to drink since water is needed before one gets thirsty – water must be taken every 15 to 20 minutes in hot environments. Electrolyte drinks may also be beneficial for treating heat cramps.
Heat Rash and Fatigue are the most common issues in hot environments where the skin is persistently sweaty. Prickly heat can result in areas where the clothing is restrictive. In most cases, heat rashes will disappear when the affected individual returns to a cool environment. When an individual experiences heat fatigue, it is also time to rest in a cool area to prevent a more serious condition.
Prevention is the Key!
Think Hierarchy of Controls: Your safety SOP needs to include engineering, administrative, and personal prevention controls.
- General ventilation to dilute hot air in areas without air conditioning. Portable fans may be enough in small areas.
- Air treatment/air cooling such as installing air conditioners or chillers.
- Acclimatize workers by exposing them to work in a hot environment for progressively longer periods. Follow the NIOSH (1986) guide.
- Provide ample supply of fluids encourage employees to drink small amounts of cool water frequently. DON’T JUST PROVIDE FLUIDS: encourage and demonstrate the need to drink water! – as if it is an essential part of the job tasks!
- Adjust the workloads by reducing the physical demands such as excessive lifting, climbing, or digging with heavy objects.
- Provide recovery areas such as air-conditioned enclosures and rooms for brief rest and water breaks.
- Reschedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day, and routine maintenance and repair work in hot areas should be scheduled for the cooler seasons of the year.
- Monitor workers who are at risk of heat stress, such as those wearing semi-permeable or impermeable clothing. The same monitoring as used for Haz Mat Teams can be applied: Personal checks for heart rate, recovery heart rate, and oral temperature.
- Train your medical first response team to recognize the signs, monitor employees in hot environments, and respond to emergencies.
We are happy to provide training, practice, and education for your Team! Just let us know how we can help.
Other available resources:
CDC Heat and Your Health portal provides comprehensive resources on managing heat stress
CDC Heat Stress at Work offering specific guidance for outdoor and indoor workers