Summer is here, and with it – HEAT! Forty-five people died from heat related injuries in the US in 2015, according to the National Weather Service. Some companies simply prefer to close when temperatures get high, but closing is not an option for every business, so it is important to know how to beat the heat!
Heat related illness includes four major categories:
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Heat Stroke
Heat Stroke is by far, the most dangerous stage of heat related illness. Heat Stroke is a medical emergency that may result in death! Call 911 immediately if you witness any signs of heat stroke.
Heat Stroke may occur as a result of other, heat related illnesses progressing, and is usually a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke include:
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Excessive sweating or red, hot dry skin
- Very high body temperature
- Dizzyness
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Lack of sweating despite the heat
- Extreme headache
Those affected by heat stroke may also experience seizures and unconsciousness.
First Aid for Heat Stroke
Call 911
- Place the worker in a shady, cool area
- Loosen clothing and remove the outer layer
- Fan the worker if possible
- Place ice / cold packs in their armpits to help lower internal body temperature.
- Use cool water, cold compresses, ice and any other cold item available
- Be sure to stay with the worker until help arrives – do not leave the worker alone if at all possible.
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Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion comes as the result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Whether working indoors or outside – precautions should be taken to avoid heat exhaustion.
- Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Faintness
- Dizzyness
- Fatigue
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Low blood pressure upon standing
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Headache
- Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
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Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are a result of prolonged use of muscles in high temperatures. A lack of salt, and imbalance in electrolytes are believed to be a catalyst for muscle cramps.
Heat cramps present with muscle spasms that are painful, involuntary, brief, intermittent but they normally go away on their own.
Listen to your body. Heat cramps is your body’s way of telling you that you need to cool down. If you, or someone working near you begin to experience signs and symptoms of heat cramps, take the following action:
- Rest in shady, cool area
- Drink a sports drink to replace electrolytes
- Consume salt by drinking a salt solution, or by taking salt tablets
- Drink cool water
- Wait a few hours to resume strenuous work
- Seek medical attention if cramps do not go away
Salt Solution TIP: Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons of table salt in a quart of water.
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Heat Rash
Heat rash is often the very first sign that your body may be overheating.
Look out for:
Clusters of red bumps on skin
Check the neck, upper chest and folds of skin for spots that look like a rash.
If you, or someone working near you experience symptoms of heat rash, take the following steps to cool down:
- Try to work in a cooler, less humid environment when possible
- Keep the affected area dry
Water, Rest and Shade may be the most important aspects of staying safe while working in the heat.
Summer is here, and with it – HEAT! Forty-five people died from heat related injuries in the US in 2015, according to the National Weather Service. Some companies simply prefer to close when temperatures get high, but closing is not an option for every business, so it is important to know how to beat the heat!
Heat related illness includes four major categories:
____________________________________________________________________
Heat Stroke
Heat Stroke is by far, the most dangerous stage of heat related illness. Heat Stroke is a medical emergency that may result in death! Call 911 immediately if you witness any signs of heat stroke.
Heat Stroke may occur as a result of other, heat related illnesses progressing, and is usually a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke include:
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Excessive sweating or red, hot dry skin
- Very high body temperature
- Dizzyness
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Lack of sweating despite the heat
- Extreme headache
Those affected by heat stroke may also experience seizures and unconsciousness.
First Aid for Heat Stroke
Call 911
- Place the worker in a shady, cool area
- Loosen clothing and remove the outer layer
- Fan the worker if possible
- Place ice / cold packs in their armpits to help lower internal body temperature.
- Use cool water, cold compresses, ice and any other cold item available
- Be sure to stay with the worker until help arrives – do not leave the worker alone if at all possible.
____________________________________________________________________
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion comes as the result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Whether working indoors or outside – precautions should be taken to avoid heat exhaustion.
- Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Faintness
- Dizzyness
- Fatigue
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Low blood pressure upon standing
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Headache
- Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
___________________________________________________________________
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are a result of prolonged use of muscles in high temperatures. A lack of salt, and imbalance in electrolytes are believed to be a catalyst for muscle cramps.
Heat cramps present with muscle spasms that are painful, involuntary, brief, intermittent but they normally go away on their own.
Listen to your body. Heat cramps is your body’s way of telling you that you need to cool down. If you, or someone working near you begin to experience signs and symptoms of heat cramps, take the following action:
- Rest in shady, cool area
- Drink a sports drink to replace electrolytes
- Consume salt by drinking a salt solution, or by taking salt tablets
- Drink cool water
- Wait a few hours to resume strenuous work
- Seek medical attention if cramps do not go away
Salt Solution TIP: Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons of table salt in a quart of water.
___________________________________________________________________
Heat Rash
Heat rash is often the very first sign that your body may be overheating.
Look out for:
Clusters of red bumps on skin
Check the neck, upper chest and folds of skin for spots that look like a rash.
If you, or someone working near you experience symptoms of heat rash, take the following steps to cool down:
- Try to work in a cooler, less humid environment when possible
- Keep the affected area dry
Water, Rest and Shade may be the most important aspects of staying safe while working in the heat.