Heat Exhaustion Prevention

1. Heat exhaustion is most likely the culprit when a worker experiences an excessive loss of water and salt and is sweating profusely.

2. Among those most prone to heat exhaustion are employees who work in a hot environment, such as bakeries, laundries or outdoors, who have high blood pressure or who are elderly.

3. Heat exhaustion symptoms include: Nausea

4. Heat exhaustion symptoms include: Heavy sweating

5. Heat exhaustion symptoms include: Muscle cramps

6. Heat exhaustion symptoms include: Dizziness, confusion

7. Heat exhaustion symptoms include: Clammy, moist skin

8. Heat exhaustion symptoms include: Pale or flushed complexion

9. Heat exhaustion symptoms include: Fast and shallow breathing

10. Heat exhaustion symptoms include: Extreme weakness or fatigue

11. Heat exhaustion symptoms include: Slightly elevated body temperature

12. According to the Arizona Department of Health Statistics, nearly 1,400 people in Arizona died between 2003 and 2012 from exposure to excessive natural heat due to weather conditions.

13. Employees working in hot environments should be trained in first-aid treatment of heat exhaustion.

14. When workers succumb to heat exhaustion: Place them in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area to rest.

15. When workers succumb to heat exhaustion: Help them drink plenty of water or other cool, nonalcoholic, noncaffeinated beverages.

16. When workers succumb to heat exhaustion: If possible, have them take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.

17. Myths About Heat Stress: Medications and health conditions don’t affect one’s ability to work safely in the heat – Health and medication can affect how the body handles working in high temperatures. Workers at risk in high temperatures include those who are obese and/or have diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Medications to control these ailments can affect a body’s ability to cool down.

18. Myths About Heat Stress: Unlike heat exhaustion, there is no sweating with heat stroke – Workers suffering from heat stroke may continue to produce sweat, as well as to show symptoms of confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures and high body temperature. Heat stroke is life- threatening and must be dealt with immediately: give first-aid treatment and call 911 for medical help.

19. Myths About Heat Stress: Taking a work break in an air-conditioned area will ruin workers’ acclimatization – Air-conditioned break areas offer an effective way to cool down.

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