With the summer months just ahead, workers and employers should be and diabetes, and some medications can increase the risk of injury from heat. exposure. …
SAFETY THEME OF THE MONTH - JUNE 2000
HEAT STRESS
With the summer months just ahead, workers and employers should be aware of
the potentially harmful effects of heat stress The Occupational Safety
and Health Administration OSHA offers the following information about
recognizing, evaluating and controlling heat stress with these ten tips:
1 Drink cool water Anyone working in a hot environment should drink cool
water
in small amounts frequently — one cup every 20 minutes Employers should
make
water available Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks,
which
cause dehydration
2 Dress appropriately Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting
clothing
and change clothing if it gets completely saturated Use sunscreen and wear
a
hat when working outdoors Avoid getting sunburn
3 Work in ventilated areas All workplaces should have good general
ventilation
as well as spot cooling in work areas of high heat production Good airflow
increases evaporation of sweat, which cools the skin
4 Work smart, rest more Supervisors should consider assigning
lighter
workloads and longer rest periods during days of intense heat Short,
frequent work-rest cycles are
best Alternate work and rest periods with longer rest periods in a cooler
area,
and schedule heavy work for cooler parts of the day, where applicable
5 Ask how workers are feeling Supervisors should monitor workplace
temperature
and humidity and check workers responses to heat at least hourly Allow a
large
margin of safety for workers Be alert to early signs of heat-related
illness see below
6 Know the signs and take prompt action Employees and supervisors should
learn
to spot the signs of heat stroke, which can be fatal Get emergency medical
attention immediately if someone has one or more of the following symptoms:
mental confusion or loss of consciousness, flushed face, hot, dry skin or
has
stopped sweating
7 Know your first-aid volunteers First aid volunteers should be able to
recognize and
treat the signs of heat stress They should also be able to recognize the
signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat cramps and other heat-related
illness Be sure that all employees know who is trained to give first aid
8 Reduce work for anyone at risk Use common sense when
determining
fitness for work in hot environments Lack of acclimatization, age,
obesity, poor conditioning, pregnancy, inadequate rest, previous heat
injuries, certain medical conditions and medications are some factors that
increase susceptibility to heat stress Coordinate with your Employee
Relations Manager
9 Check with your doctor Certain medical conditions such as heart
conditions
and diabetes, and some medications can increase the risk of injury from
heat
exposure Employees with medical conditions or those who take medications
should
ask their doctors before working in hot environments
10 Take care when off work Heat stress is particularly an issue at home
and during vacations These same tips apply to your off-work activities,
so be careful out there
