Heat stress occurs when your body builds up more heat
than it can handle. It's important that you, your supervisors
and your workers become familiar with the signs and symptoms
of heat-related illnesses and how to protect themselves.
The early signs of heat illness are mild dizziness, fatigue,
irritability, decreased concentration and impaired judgment.
The worker may also be experiencing heat cramps – painful
spasms of the leg, arm or abdominal muscles; heavy sweating
and thirst.
- Take time to adjust to working in the heat, especially
if you aren't used to working in hot conditions.
- Drink a lot of water before work, during work, and
at the end of the day. Don't just rely on your thirst
to tell you how much you need. By the time you are thirsty,
you are already somewhat dehydrated. A good rule of thumb
is to drink one cup of water every 15-20 minutes while
you're working.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing that "breathes." Cotton
is a good choice.
- Wear a hat that shades your ears, face, temples and
the back of your neck from the sun.
- Use sunscreen. Choose sunscreen with a sun protection
factor (SPF) of 15 or greater.
- Juggle your workload. If possible, do your heaviest
tasks during the coolest parts of the day.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea and other drinks
containing caffeine. These act as diuretics – they
increase fluid loss through urination.
- Get an adequate amount of sleep.
- Using products like cooling vests and bandanas can
also help.
Additional information
on Sun and Heat Protection |
 |
Water Jugs and Coolers
Cooling Workwear
Hats
|
|