Signs and symptoms of illness from heat

Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, and know how to get first aid for yourself or a coworker. As summer approaches, this is a critical aspect of workplace safety.

Recognize the signs and symptoms

Heat rash — Skin irritation (especially where skin is wet with sweat or clothing is tight) can lead to infection. Go to a cooler area. Wash, and change clothing.

Heat cramps — Painful muscle spasms caused by salt imbalances due to sweating. Drinking carbohydrate-electrolyte liquids may not eliminate the pain but helps during recovery. Prevent by drinking a small cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes — even if you aren’t thirsty.

Heat fatigue — Weakness, impaired motor skills, and difficulty concentrating. Take a short break in a cooler area. Pushing yourself to work through the condition can lead to a more serious illness.

Heat collapse — A person suddenly faints. The brain wasn’t getting enough oxygen because blood had pooled in the arms and legs. Take the victim to a cooler area to lie down. Do not give liquids to an unconscious person.

Heat exhaustion — Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, thirst, and giddiness. Can lead to vomiting and/or fainting. Victim has clammy (moist) skin. Take the victim to a cool, shaded area. Give water if the victim is alert and not nauseous. Don’t leave the person alone. Cool the victim with a spray mist or wet cloth. If the person does not feel better in a few minutes, call for emergency help.

Heat stroke — Victim has dry skin (no sweating) or hot, red skin (looks like a sunburn) and is confused. Victim may have seizures and pass out. Call for emergency help. Take the victim to lie down in a cool, shaded area. Don’t leave the person alone. If the victim is alert and not nauseated, give water. Cool the person. Place ice packs in the arm pits and groin area.

Pace yourself

You can gradually adjust to working in the heat. Slowly increase your workload over the first five to seven days of working in intense heat.

The body builds up heat as you work, and it’s up to the surface of the skin to get rid of excess body heat. When sweat evaporates, it cools the body. Hard work in the heat can make you produce a lot of sweat in a day. Drink plenty of water —

about one cup every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you aren’t thirsty.

Quiz

Examine the following statements and respond whether you believe it is True or False.

1. It’s normal to feel heat exhaustion at the end of a shift.

2. Fainting is a sign of heat collapse.

3. Heat stroke needs

emergency medical attention.

4. Drink a quart of water every 10 minutes if it’s hot outside.

5. Heat fatigue will go away if you push yourself to work faster.

Answers: 1) False, 2) True, 3) True, 4) False, 5) False.