The Heat Is On — Now’s the Time to Keep Your Cool
May 25, 2022
With temperatures already climbing into the 90s in some parts of the country, it’s clear that summer is just around the corner. It’s traditionally our busiest season at CoolSys, and long days in the sun bring the threat of heat illness for our team members who work outdoors.
Working in a hot environment can cause heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps or heat rash. In addition, heat increases the risk of injury for workers because of sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses and dizziness. Burns can occur when a worker comes in contact with a hot surface or steam.
Know the Signs of Heat Illness
To help prevent serious injury, it’s important for you to know the signs and symptoms of heat illness so you can recognize it in yourself and in coworkers.
Heat stroke. This is the most dangerous heat illness, occurring when the body’s core temperature rises to 104° Fahrenheit or higher. Heat stroke requires emergency medical attention. Don’t wait — call 911 immediately if you or someone near you is experiencing any of these signs of heat stroke:
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- High body temperature
- Hot, dry skin or heavy sweating
- Unconsciousness
- Seizures
Heat exhaustion. Though not usually life-threatening on its own, heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke if it is left untreated. Watch for these symptoms:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Thirst
- Heavy sweating
- Low urine output
- High body temperature
As soon as symptoms appear, get the person to a cooler place, such as an air-conditioned building or vehicle, or at least in the shade. Allow them to rest as they sip cool water and/or sports drinks. If the person’s condition doesn’t improve within an hour, get medical attention. Learn more about heat exhaustion.
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
Whenever you’re working in intense outdoor heat, be sure that both you and your coworkers take these precautions:
- Stay hydrated — Drink one cup (eight ounces) of water every 15 to 20 minutes — but avoid sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Drink water on this schedule even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Give it a rest — Take frequent breaks out of the sun.
- Get the app — Stay a step ahead of potentially dangerous heat conditions by downloading the free heat safety app from OSHA-NIOSH. Search for “OSHA-NIOSH heat safety tool” in your app store.
