Working in an excessively hot environment like Louisiana’s can be difficult. Hot weather can create a number of safety problems and illnesses, including heat cramps, exhaustion and stroke. Heat illness — like hyperthermia –– can be fatal.
High temperatures can cause you to become inattentive, short-tempered, dizzy and slow. When the atmosphere is humid, the effects of the heat are compounded, which can create hazards at work.
Warning signals of heat illness:
• Heat cramps –– These cramps can affect muscles in the arms, legs and abdomen. They are the muscles which have been most used while working. The cramps may even occur after work, when the person is resting. Heat cramps are a signal that the body has lost too much salt through sweating.
• Heat exhaustion –– This is a serious condition that needs immediate attention. Exhaustion, nausea, dizziness, pale and clammy skin, quick pulse and low blood pressure are symptoms of this illness. Heat exhaustion is also a warning that the mechanism that controls heat for the body has become seriously overtaxed. Heat stroke may follow if heat exhaustion isn’t treated.
• Heat stroke ––Heat stroke occurs when the body’s heat control mechanism simply shuts down. Perspiration stops and the body temperature rises. The heart pounds and skin becomes flushed and hot. This condition can be fatal and must be treated immediately.
Tips for preventing heat illness:
• Get used to working in the heat gradually. If the weather suddenly turns hot or you are transferred to a hot environment, take it easy until you are accustomed to the temperature.
• Drink water often to avoid dehydration. The body loses water through perspiration, so you need to replenish it frequently. Don’t drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages because they will cause you to lose even more water and salt.
• Take frequent rest breaks when working in hot conditions. These breaks can consist of moving to a cooler area or switching to lighter work for a while.
• Get a physician’s advice before replacing salt, particularly if your salt intake is restricted for medical reasons such as circulatory problems. The use of salt tablets is not recommended. Eating lightly salted food before entering the work environment may be a better idea. Drinks intended to replace the body’s fluid and mineral levels are also available.
• Dress lightly, in layers, so that you can subtract or add clothing as the temperature changes. Be sure to shade the skin against the sun.
It’s important to remain alert to the signs of heat illness in yourself and co-workers. If signs develop, move the victim to a cool place and try to bring their temperature down as quickly as possible. If you have any reason to suspect that the person may be suffering from heat stroke, call for medical help immediately.
