Action Environmental Group

Photo: www.infoemilcott.com

HEAT ILLNESS

Exposure to heat can cause illness and death. The most serious heat illness is heat stroke. Other heat illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash, should also be avoided with proper prevention.

Photo: www.cliparthut.com

RISK FACTORS

• Factors that increase the risk of heat illness:

– High temperature and humidity– Direct sun exposure (no shade)– Extreme Heat– No breeze or wind

Photo: www.bassfeedsthesoul.com

RISK FACTORS CONTINUED

• Factors that increase the risk of heat illness:– Low liquid intake– Heavy physical exertion– Use of bulky or waterproof clothing/equipment – No recent exposure to hot workplaces

Workers new to the heat or those that have been away from work and are returning can be most vulnerable to heat stress and they must be acclimatized

SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION

• Headache, dizziness, or fainting• Weakness and wet skin• Irritability or confusion• Thirst, nausea, or vomiting

Photo: www.vigorbuddy.com

• May be confused, unable to think clearly, pass out, collapse, or have seizures (fits)

• May stop sweating

SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKE

Photo: www.lecconews.lc

PREVENTION

• To prevent heat related illness and fatalities:– Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty. – Rest in the shade to cool down.– Wear a hat and light-colored clothing.

Photo: www.pinnaclesigns.biz

PREVENTION

• To prevent heat related illness and fatalities:– Learn the signs of heat illness and what to do in an emergency.– Keep an eye on fellow workers.– "Easy does it" on your first days of work in the heat. You need to get

used to it.

Photo: www.myhdiet.com

BE AWARE AND PREPARE

• Watch the weather reports• Look up the forecasted heat index• Pack snacks and drinks accordingly

Photo: www.osha.orgPhoto: www.nj1015.com

SUMMARY OF PRECAUTIONS

Heat Index Risk Level Protective Measures

Less than 91°F Lower (Caution) Basic heat safety and planning

91°F to 103°F Moderate Implement precautions and heighten awareness

103°F to 115°F High Additional precautions to protect workers

Greater than 115°F Very High to ExtremeTriggers even more aggressive protective measures

Source: www.osha.org

EMERGENCY• What to Do When a Worker is Ill from the Heat– Call your supervisor – Extreme Emergency – Employee or supervisor to call

9-1-1.

– If possible, have someone stay with the worker until help arrives• Provide cool drinking water• Move the worker to a cooler/shaded area• As needed:

– Remove bulky or waterproof clothing– Fan and mist the worker with water; apply ice (ice bags or ice

towels)

4 KEYS TO REMEMBER1. Drink Water Regularly2. Rest in the shade3. Report symptoms early4. Know what to do in an emergency

Photo: www.theodesseyonline.com