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Risk Management and Safety

Heat Stress

When working under the hot sun, getting a sunburn is not the only thing you should be worried about. Learn about the dangers of too much heat exposure and how you can protect yourself from them.

Q: On average, which of the following is the number one weather-related killer in the United States each year?

Tornado          Hurricane          Lightning          Flood          Heat

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A: Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. In fact, on average, excessive heat claims more lives each year than floods, lightning, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined.1

Whether you are working, playing, exercising, or just lying on the grass getting a suntan, ANYONE who is overly exposed to high air temperatures, radiant heat sources, high humidity, or direct contact with hot objects (especially anyone who participates in strenuous physical activity in any of these environments), is at high risk of heat-related illness.

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Types of Heat Stress

Heat Stroke


Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder – it can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given immediately. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the sweating mechanism fails, the body is unable to cool itself, and body temperature rises rapidly within just a few minutes.

Symptoms of heat stroke may include:

  • High body temperature (above 103 °F) 
  • Hot, dry, flushed (red) skin 
  • Hallucinations
  • Throbbing headache
  • Confusion/dizziness
  • Slurred speech

First Aid

Call 911.

Move to a cool, shaded, or air conditioned area.

Cool the body using methods such as:

  • Removing heavy or insulating clothing such as jackets, gloves, and hats.
  • Immersing in temperate (not cold) water.
  • Spraying, sponging, or showering with cool water.
  • Fanning the body.
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Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Extreme weakness or fatigue
  • Dizziness, confusion
  • Nausea
  • Clammy, moist skin
  • Pale or flushed complexion
  • Muscle cramps
  • Slightly elevated body temperature
  • Fast and shallow breathing

First Aid

Rest in a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned area.

Drink plenty of water, or sport drinks that contain sodium and potassium.

  • Avoid drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar.

Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps usually affect individuals who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body's salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

Symptoms

  • Muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen,
    arms, or legs.

First Aid

Stop all activity, and sit in a cool place.

Drink clear juice or a sports beverage.

Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Seek medical attention if any of the following apply:

  • The affected individual has heart problems.
  • The affected individual is on a low-sodium diet.
  • The cramps do not subside within one hour.

Heat Rash

Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.

Symptoms

  • Heat rash looks like a red cluster
    of pimples or small blisters.
  • It is more likely to occur on the neck
    and upper chest, in the groin, 
    under the breasts, and in elbow creases.

First Aid

Keep the affected area dry.

Dusting powder (talcum or baby powder) may be used to increase comfort.

Try to work in a cooler, less humid environment when possible.

As with any illness, prevention is better than cure!
Here are some things you can do to avoid heat stress:

  • Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.
  • Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day.
  • Drink water frequently – enough that you never become thirsty. Approximately
    1 cup every 15-20 minutes.
  • Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity.
  • Gradually build up to heavy work – become acclimated to the conditions.
  • Avoid drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar.
  • Be aware that personal protective equipment or clothing may increase the risk of heat stress.
  • Monitor your physical condition.
  • Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible.

Additional information is available at:

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/

1 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service (www.nws.noaa.gov)