HEAT STRESS PREVENTION

As summer continues and high temperatures remain a daily hazard, employees working outdoors or in hot environments must continue to take heat stress seriously. Familiarity with the heat can lead to complacency, but heat-related illness can develop quickly and can become life-threatening.

Heat stress is affected by more than temperature alone. Humidity, direct sunlight, physical workload, limited air movement, and required PPE can all increase the strain placed on the body.

WATER. REST. SHADE.

The best defense against heat-related illness is prevention.

Stay Hydrated

• Drink water frequently throughout the workday — do not wait until you are thirsty.

• Keep cool drinking water readily available near the work area.

• During prolonged periods of heavy sweating, electrolyte-containing beverages can help replace salts lost through perspiration.

• Water should remain the primary source of hydration. Do not rely on soft drinks, energy drinks, or highly caffeinated beverages for hydration.

Take Appropriate Breaks

• Take breaks in a shaded, cool, or air-conditioned area whenever possible.

• As temperatures, humidity, or workload increase, additional rest periods may be necessary.

• Never skip a needed break just to finish a task.

Know Your Risk

New employees and employees returning to hot work after time away may be especially vulnerable to heat-related illness. Workloads and heat exposure should be increased gradually to allow the body time to acclimate.

Heavy physical activity, direct sunlight, high humidity, and certain types of PPE can also increase the risk of heat stress.

RECOGNIZE THE WARNING SIGNS

Heat Exhaustion may include:

• Heavy sweating

• Headache

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Weakness or fatigue

• Nausea or vomiting

• Thirst

• Irritability

• Rapid heartbeat

• Cool or clammy skin

If heat exhaustion is suspected, STOP WORK. Move the employee to a cool or shaded area, provide cool water, loosen or remove unnecessary outer clothing, and begin cooling the employee.

HEAT STROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY

Warning signs of heat stroke can include:

• Confusion or unusual behavior

• Slurred speech

• Loss of consciousness

• Seizures

• Very high body temperature

• Hot, dry skin or heavy sweating

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY if heat stroke is suspected.

Move the employee to a cooler area and begin cooling immediately using cold water, wet towels, ice packs, fans, or other available methods. Never leave the affected employee alone while waiting for medical assistance.

WATCH OUT FOR EACH OTHER

Heat illness can affect a person's judgment and ability to recognize their own symptoms. Pay attention to your coworkers and speak up if someone appears confused, weak, unusually fatigued, dizzy, or otherwise affected by the heat.

Employees should immediately report symptoms of heat-related illness to their onsite supervisor and utilize Stop Work Authority whenever heat conditions create an unsafe situation.

At BOSS, preventing heat-related illness requires everyone to remain alert and proactive throughout the entire shift.

Stay hydrated. Take the break. Watch your coworkers. Never ignore the warning signs.