This summer is the hottest ever recorded and almost 80 million people are living with dangerous temperatures as the heatwave moves across the country, according to the American Red Cross.
The ongoing hot weather is expected to bring oppressive heat and humidity to people from coast to coast. The National Weather Service reports above-normal temperatures will reach nearly everywhere in the continental U.S. during the coming weeks.
Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the U.S. More than 600 people in this country die every year from heat-related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In construction, knowing how to prevent heat-related illnesses and how to identify warning signs from heat injury can mean the difference between life and death.
“It’s important that any employer who has workers in extreme heat conditions – both indoors and outdoors – take the precautions necessary to help prevent heat-related illnesses,” says Torey McLaren, senior industrial hygiene specialist, Travelers.
Some preventive steps to consider include:
- Acclimatizing workers over several days to help them become more resilient to heat
- Providing workers with a supply of water or sports drinks and shade, when possible;
- Supplying workers with personal protective clothing to help combat the heat (light-colored clothing, air-cooled or water-cooled garments, wetted headbands, etc.);
- Increasing rest periods for workers throughout the day;
- Rotating workers in high-exposure positions;
- Scheduling work in a hot environment for cooler periods of the day; and
- Recognizing work environment conditions that can contribute to heat related risks, such as elevated humidity, and making necessary adjustments, including increasing breaks, utilizing fans (may not be appropriate with high humidity) or implementing heat shields and barriers.
Know the warning signs
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the most common problems when the body is exposed to excessive temperatures. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats from prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include, but are not limited to:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Staggering
- Paleness
- Profuse sweating
- Weak pulse
- Faint breathing
Reducing the chance of heat stroke
Heat-related illnesses begin with heat exhaustion, which if not treated right away, can quickly lead to heat stroke, and it can be deadly. If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion, here are a few tips to reduce the chance of heat stroke:
- Go to a shady location or a room with air conditioning
- Lie down and stay calm
- Take frequent small sips of cool water or a sports drink
- Call a doctor if symptoms of heat exhaustion persist
Heat stroke reduces the body’s ability to sweat and control its temperature, which can be fatal. Symptoms of heat stroke can include, but are not limited to:
- Severe headache
- Red face
- Skin is hot and dry with no sweat
- Pulse is strong and very fast
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Unconsciousness
If you believe a co-worker or employee is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately and follow the directions given by emergency personnel. Move the person to a room with air conditioning or to an area with shade and loosen his or her clothing.
Keep in mind
The risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke increases with the temperature. In addition to the preventive measures mentioned above, bear in mind the following to keep yourself and those around you safe on the job:
- Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, caffeine, soda or fruit juice
- Be aware that some medications may make you more vulnerable to sun and heat exposure - check with your doctor
- Apply wet towels to your neck or wear a wet headband to stay cool
- Drinking sports drinks or taking sodium tablets can help you avoid dehydration by balancing your electrolytes. Experiment to find out what works best for you
It’s easy to forget about the threat of heat-related illnesses when you’re on the job, but allowing your body to overheat can not only delay progress at work, it can make you very sick or worse. Stay safe out there this summer!
