What you need to do to avoid heat illness:
1. Drink water – Drink small amounts of water frequently, every 15-20 minutes. The importance of doing this cannot be overstated. In some heat-related deaths, water was available, but workers did not drink it. Avoid drinking caffeinated or energy drinks. Drink lots of water in the evening after work to hydrate your body for the next day. Make one of your drinks per day an electrolyte drink, for example, some type of sports drink like Gatorade.
2. Shade shall be present when the temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Take rest breaks in cool areas, like under trees or access to shade; if there is no shade, use an EZ-up. EZ-ups need to be provided and up, not just on the job site.
3. When temperatures reach 95 degrees or above, supervisors need to check that the employee takes a minimum ten-minute net preventative cool-down rest period every two hours and makes sure the employees are drinking water.
4. Take time to acclimate —Workers are at the greatest risk with the sudden onset of heat. They move locations from a cool climate to a hotter climate (From the Coast to Inland). Gradually adapting to heat will reduce the severity of heat stress.
5. Wear loose, lightweight clothing – Clothing can affect heat buildup.
What you need to know about heat illness:
1. Someone with a mild reaction to heat may have a rash called “prickly heat.”
2. They can also have painful muscle spasms called heat cramps. These can happen during or after activity.
3. A mild reaction may also include fatigue or dizziness. You may notice a change in physical or mental performance and an increase in accidents.
4. A moderate reaction to heat is heat exhaustion.
5. A person could be sweating a lot.
6. They could have cold, moist, pale, or flushed skin.
7. They might have thirst, extreme weakness or fatigue, as well as headache, nausea, lack of appetite, a rapid, weak pulse, or giddiness. If not treated, the victim may collapse.
Move anyone with Heat Illness symptoms to a cool, shaded place with circulating air. Have them lie down and, if conscious, have them sip cool water at frequent intervals. If symptoms continue, call the Safety Team.
Procedures for Handling a Sick Employee:
When an employee displays possible signs or symptoms of heat illness, the supervisor needs to determine whether having them rest in the shade drinking cool water will suffice or if emergency services need to be called. A sick employee cannot be left alone in the shade, as they could take a turn for the worse. Call someone on the Safety Team to report the incident, use the Safety Number.
Safety number!
844-997-Safety (7233)
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-Brandon Borger