Heat stress is a problem in our industry, and not just because there’s no thermostat outside. The other reason is because we tend to be a stubborn, determined lot. For the most stubborn among us, that makes heat stress dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that an average of 658 people die of extreme heat illnesses per year, so let’s understand what it is and what we can do about it.
Forms of Heat Stress
- Heat Rash. This is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.
- Heat Cramps. These are most common for people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This depletes the body’s salt and moisture levels, and a low salt level in muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.
- Heat Syncope. This is a fainting (syncope) episode or dizziness that usually occurs with prolonged standing or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position. Factors that may contribute to heat syncope include dehydration and lack of acclimatization.
- Rhabdomyolysis. This is a medical condition combining heat stress and prolonged physical exertion, resulting in the rapid breakdown, rupture, and death of muscle. When muscle tissue dies, electrolytes and large proteins are released into the bloodstream that can cause irregular heart rhythms and seizures, along with damage to the kidneys.
- Heat Exhaustion. This is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. People most prone to heat exhaustion are the elderly, those with high blood pressure, and those working in a particularly hot environment.
- Heat Stroke. The most serious heat-related illness, heat stroke is when the body is no longer able to control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.
Symptoms and first aid suggestions from the CDC are listed for each of these in the table below. As you can see, heat stress can range from the irritating and annoying to the most serious consequences and it is nothing to be messed with. Because heat stroke can come on quite suddenly and escalate quickly, make sure it is on everyone’s mind on the hotter and stickier days of summer.
Notice that one of the recurring elements in these illnesses relate to lack of acclimation to the heat conditions or the activity itself. So think about some factors that may take you to “orange alert”:
- Sudden increase in temperature, humidity, or “heat index” from past days.
- Activity that demands prolonged standing, particularly without adequate shade.
- New activity with greater exertion than in past days.
Perhaps the best defense against heat stresses developing or escalating to dangerous levels is for everyone on the crew to be aware of the symptoms and the kinds of weather and activities that are most likely to invite them in. Posters like those shown (and hyperlinked) here, can be printed and posted in break rooms and other areas to supplement this tailgate talk.
When temperatures are on the rise and humidity is following along behind it, consider the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App (free download from the Apple or Google app stores). You can monitor the current heat index and risk levels in your area, as well as some forecasting. Finally, the app has some basic symptoms and first aid guides, in case you forgot.
Beyond awareness, there are some simple things to ward off heat stress injuries.
- Drink lots of water – early and often
- Wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing if your activities allow it…and a hat
- Wear sun screen and re-apply throughout the exposure
- Move activities to the shade, if you are able
- Take rest periods
- Slow it down a bit
- Keep an eye on each other – don’t be afraid to ask – “you okay?”
- Attempt to delay strenuous activities to coolest parts of the day or even a later date when it is cooler
- Be mindful of activities that require standing in place for extended periods
- Acclimate to strenuous activities over days or even weeks
Like many safety risks, awareness of the threat and a little preparation in case it comes along can go a long way. So watch the weather forecast for the next several days, anticipate the most threatening days, and plan your activities accordingly, if you can. Beyond that, follow the best practices above and watch out for each other. If someone doesn’t look right and you’re not sure, call 911, get them to the shade, and start cooling them down. Don’t mess with the heat.
Users of this tailgate talk are advised to determine the suitability of the information as it applies to local situations and work practices and its conformance with applicable laws and regulations.
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