The component is not available at this moment. Please contact the site administrator.
Heat illness occurs when the body’s temperature control system cannot maintain an acceptable temperature. Under normal circumstances, the body cools itself by sweating. When high temperatures and high humidity prevent the body from releasing heat efficiently, however, a person’s body temperature can rise quickly, which causes numerous medical symptoms. If left untreated, very high body temperatures might damage the brain and other vital organs and ultimately cause a person’s death. You must train all employees who may be exposed to heat stress, as well as their supervisors, to recognize the four stages of heat illness.
Excessive sweating during hot, humid weather can cause heat rash, which appears as a red cluster of pimples or small blisters most likely on the neck and upper chest, in the groin area, under the breasts and in elbow creases. The rash occurs when the body is exposed to hot and humid conditions, which substantially reduce the person’s ability to sweat and decreases the employee’s heat tolerance.
To treat heat rash, wash the affected area with soap and water and dry it thoroughly. Apply calamine lotion or powder to relieve discomfort. Avoid using creams or ointment; they keep the skin warm and moist and can aggravate the condition.
Cramps usually occur when an employee performs hard physical labor in a hot environment. Heat cramps usually affect arm and leg muscles, but can also affect stomach and back muscles. Painful cramps occur intermittently after prolonged exposure to hot conditions. Typically, an electrolyte imbalance brought on by sweating causes heat cramps. Studies show that drinking commercially available carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement fluids, such as sports drinks, minimizes adverse effects during recovery.
To treat heat cramps:
Heat exhaustion develops from exposure to high temperatures with inadequate or unbalanced fluid replacement. An employee usually displays the following warning signs of heat exhaustion:
To treat heat exhaustion:
Fortunately, heat exhaustion responds readily to prompt treatment. Heat exhaustion should not be dismissed lightly, as the associated fainting can be dangerous. The victim could be operating machinery, controlling an operation that should not be left unattended or may be injured when they faint. Heat exhaustion’s signs and symptoms are similar to those of heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.
Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The employee’s body temperature could rise quite rapidly, reaching 106 F or higher within as little as 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke is a serious condition requiring urgent medical attention. If emergency treatment is not provided quickly, heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability. Warning signs of heat stroke include:
If you see any warning signs of heat stroke, call 911 for medical assistance while simultaneously taking the following step immediately: