Outdoor Workers and Heat Stress: Recognize, Prevent and Treat

Outdoor Workers and HEAT STRESS

Recognize, Prevent and Treat Heat Stress before the worker becomes seriously ill.

By Richard Rich

Your body keeps it self-cool by sweating and letting heat escape through the Skin. If the body does not cool properly or enough the outdoor worker can suffer from a heat related illness.

If the worker takes the time to protect himself by making sure that he is drinking enough water but the outdoor has a difficult time in that to make a living he needs to be outside for 8 hours a day.

Symptoms of Heat Related Illness

Heat stress usually comes in stages.

1. THIRST
2. CRAMPS
3. HEADACHE OR NAUSEA
4. DIZZINESS AND EXHAUSTON
5. THE MOST SERIOUS SIGNS ARE CALLED HEAT STROKE
6. Vomiting
7. Confusion
8. Throbbing Headache
9. Rapid or Weak Pulse
10. Seizures

Be Aware of the relationship between Temperature and Relative Humidity

1. When its 90 out and the humidity is 80% then Heat Index is 110
2. When its 100 out and the humidity is 80% then the Heat Index is 158

SAFTY TIPS WHEN WORKING OUTDOORS WHEN IT HOT

1. Drink Lots of Water and Stay Hydrated
2. Dress for the Heat, Light Color Clothing and 3 Inch Brim Hat
3. Eat small meals more often
4. Monitor your fellow workers
5. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with zinc oxide, such as I.C. Industrial Sunscreen SPF 36. Zinc oxide, a mineral, helps reflect the sun’s rays.

 

OSHA Heat Stress Infographic

OSHA Heat Stress Poster

OSHA Heat Stress Info Sheet