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Help Employees 'BEAT THE HEAT!'

Susan Davison, Consultant Safer Worker Systems, Inc. Working in extremely hot conditions for an extended period can cause several heat-induced illnesses, some of which can even result in death. Employers need to know what the factors are that lead to heat stress and how these can be prevented. It is important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of the various heat-induced illnesses and to know how to treat victims of heat stress. OSHA provides a fact sheet for employers that lists the FACTORS leading to heat stress as “high temperature and humidity; direct sun or heat; limited air movement; physical exertion; poor physical condition; some medicines; inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces; and insufficient water intake.”1 PREVENT these illness-inducing conditions with the following practices: • Whenever possible, schedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day or even the cooler season of the year. • Acclimate workers to high heat conditions by allowing them to progressively work from shorter to longer periods of time. • Keep ample supplies of cool drinks in the work areas. (No alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.) Encourage workers to drink small amounts frequently at a rate of one cup every 20 minutes. • Skin-damaging UV rays can be blocked by applying sunscreen lotion and wearing sunglasses, clothing and hats that block out sunlight. Limit exposure to the intense sunlight of midday. Educate employees regarding self-examinations for skin cancer. • Minimize overexertion by using extra workers or relief workers for hot jobs. • Allow intermittent rest periods in shady or air-conditioned areas for relief from heat, allowing body temperature to return to normal. • Instruct workers in high heat risk areas to monitor their conditions by checking their heart rate, recovery heart rate, and oral temperature. • For extreme heat conditions, Personal Protective Equipment such as reflective clothing, wetted clothing, or water-cooled garments can be purchased by the company and provided to employees. Various heat-induced ILLNESSES that should be watched for and their TREATMENTS: • SUNBURN & SKIN CANCER is caused by damage to the skin and skin cells from ultraviolet radiation from too much exposure to sunlight. To treat sunburn, apply cold packs or over-the-counter sunburn lotions on affected areas. Self-examinations for skin cancer should be performed monthly to watch for any unusual skin changes. If unusual changes occur, report these to a health care professional immediately. Skin cancer can be fatal, but with early detection it can be cured. • HEAT RASHES look like red clusters of pinpoint spots, pimples or small blisters on the skin. To treat, keep the affected area dry, dust with powder, and avoid using moist ointments or creams as these may make the condition worse. • HEAT CRAMPS of the muscles are caused by excessive sweating combined with too little fluid intake which causes a condition of electrolyte imbalance within the body. Treat by replacing fluids with carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement liquids, or “sports drinks.” • HEAT EXHAUSTION is the result of excessive heat and dehydration - lack of sufficient fluids in the body. This condition can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, thirst, and fainting. To treat, remove from hot area, give fluid replacement, apply ice packs, and allow for rest. • HEAT STROKE is a critical condition that occurs when the body’s temperature rises to a dangerous, life-threatening level. Professional medical treatment should be obtained immediately. Signs of this disorder are an abnormally high body temperature, confusion, irrational behavior, loss of consciousness, convulsions, and hot dry skin as if not sweating. While waiting for professional medical treatment, remove the worker from the high heat area and remove the victim’s outer clothing. Give the victim water as soon as possible. Splash the worker with cool water and blow cool air at him/her. Always keep in mind that ‘heat can harm’ but with knowledge and safeguards, you and your employees can ‘beat the heat’! 1 - OSHA Fact Sheet, “Protecting Workers from Effects of Heat,” www.OSHA.gov [Above article provided by Safer Worker Systems, Inc.]
Posted 08.06.2009