by Shane Henson — July 4, 2012—As temperatures rise, so does the risk of those working in areas susceptible to high heat conditions becoming ill. To prevent heat-related work injuries and illnesses, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) suggests employers and employees take safety precautions now and be aware of factors that can lead to heat stress; the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke; ways to prevent heat stress; and what can be done for heat-related illnesses.
This information is of particular import to managers who must be mindful of how high temperatures can lead to the illness of construction crews, roofing and lawn care technicians, window washers and other staff who work outdoors. Each year, thousands of outdoor workers experience heat illness, which often manifests as heat exhaustion. If not quickly addressed, heat exhaustion can become heat stroke, which can be deadly according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
OSHA notes that symptoms of heat stroke include dry, hot skin with no sweating; mental confusion or losing consciousness; and seizures or convulsions.
General tips from ASSE and OSHA to avoid heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses include:
- Use cooling pads that can be inserted into hardhats or around the neck to keep the head and neck cool. Vented hardhats or neckbands soaked in cold water can also be used to minimize prolonged heat exposure and prevent the body from overheating.
- Wear protective eyewear that features sufficient ventilation or anti-fog lens coating to reduce lens fogging from the heat. Sweatbands can also be used to prevent perspiration from dripping into the eyes.
- Use gloves with leather palms and cotton or denim backs, which allow for an increased airflow and still protect hands. Also, choose gloves with a liner to absorb sweat preventing perspiration buildup. Some gloves also feature strips of nylon mesh or are perforated at the back of the hand for more airflow.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.
- Take breaks in cooler, shaded areas.
- To prevent dehydration, another hazard associated with exposure to heat, drink cool water every 15 minutes and avoid diuretics such as coffee, tea, alcohol or soda, as these can deplete body fluid.
- Wear protective eyewear that features sufficient ventilation or anti-fog lens coating to reduce lens fogging from the heat. Sweatbands can also be used to prevent perspiration from dripping into the eyes.
According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States, and excessive heat claims more lives each year than floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined. To assist workers and employers, NOAA will be issuing heat alerts across the nation this summer through its National Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices.
For more information on staying safe in the heat, see NOAA’s “Heat: a Major Killer” site, OSHA’s heat safety tips, and NOAA’s weather heat warning information in English and Spanish.
