Extreme heat can cause serious heat-related illnesses such as heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Certain groups are at higher risk, including the elderly, young children, and those with medical conditions. Signs of heat illness include hot, dry skin; changes in sweating, body temperature, and mental state; and nausea. To prevent heat illness, it is important to drink plenty of water, replace salts, limit strenuous activity in heat, wear loose fitting clothing, and never leave anyone in a closed vehicle.

1. Prevent Heat Illness!
Safety Moment of the Week
May 28th – June 3rd, 2017
Extreme heat and exposure to the sun can cause heat related illnesses and death. Know
the signs of heat illness and how to protect yourself from the heat.
Who is at a higher risk? People over 65 and children; people with certain medical
conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure; people on
certain medications such as medications for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation;
and people that work or exercise outside.
What are the heat related illnesses?
Heat Rash – Skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.
Heat Cramps – Sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in
muscles causes painful cramps.
Heat Exhaustion – This is the body’s response to an excessive loss of the water and salt,
usually through sweating. Signs of heat exhaustion include: cold, pale or clammy skin;
weakness or fatigue; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; fast weak pulse; fast
shallow breathing; and/or fainting.
Heat Stroke – This is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body
becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the
sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Heat stroke can cause
death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. Signs of heat stroke
include: hot, red, dry or moist skin; high body temperature (above 103oF); confusion;
dizziness; fainting; seizures; and/or a rapid and strong pulse.
How do I prevent heat illnesses?
• Know the First Aid Treatments for Heat Illness
• Drink lots of fluids especially water. Drink water even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Replace lost body salt by drinking some of your liquids as sport drinks or
electrolytes.
• Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol, large amounts of sugar or caffeine.
• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals. Eat more frequent, smaller and healthier meals.
• Rest in a shaded or air conditioned area on breaks. Undue and open up your
coveralls on breaks to allow your body to cool.
• Keep an eye on fellow co-workers. They may not recognize their own signs of heat
illness.
• Whenever possible, wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing.
• Avoid sunburn. Having a sunburn reduces your body’s ability to loose heat.
• Never leave anyone (children or pets) in a closed, parked vehicle.