Heat Stress

Here in San Bernardino County we’re subjected to some pretty hot summer temperatures. How hot? Average high temperatures for July: Fontana: 95, San Bernardino: 96, Palm Springs: 108, Indio: 107, Baker: 108, Barstow: 103. Holy Habanero! THAT’S HOT!! Working in that kind of heat increases the risk of heat stress health problems. There are precautions that should be taken to reduce the risks to your health and safety that working in hot environments brings, and as familiar as you may be with them, it doesn’t hurt to refresh your memory.

You’ve heard the saying that goes “An ounce of prevention…”? Well, forget it ‘cause we’re talking gallons here. In warmer environments the human body, in order to control its internal temperature, increases blood flow to smaller vessels near the surface of the skin and causes sweat glands to cover the skin’s surface with sweat. Evaporation of the sweat transfers heat from these blood vessels to the air, eliminating large quantities of heat from the body and helping to maintain a constant temperature. During a workday in the heat a person can sweat two to three gallons. TWO TO THREE GALLONS!! That is a lot of fluid to lose, and that fluid takes a large amount of electrolytes with it. If these aren’t replenished adequately this loss will seriously impair the body’s ability to control its internal temperature. This can lead to heat stress problems such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps, transient heat fatigue, and heat stroke.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is caused by the loss of large amounts of fluid by sweating, sometimes with excessive loss of salt. A person suffering from heat exhaustion still sweats but experiences extreme weakness or fatigue, giddiness, nausea, or headache. In more serious cases, the victim may vomit or lose consciousness. The skin is clammy and moist, the complexion is pale or flushed, and the body temperature is normal or only slightly elevated.

Signs and Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

  • Cool, clammy, pale skin
  • Sweating
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue, weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea, sometimes vomiting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Weak and rapid pulse

If heat exhaustion is suspected:

  • Move victim to a cool area to rest and have victim drink cool water (about a cup every 15 minutes).
  • If symptoms include dizziness or light headedness, lay victim on back and raise legs 6 to 8 inches.
  • If symptoms include nausea or upset stomach, lay victim on side.
  • Loosen and remove any heavy clothing.
  • Cool the person’s body by fanning and spraying with a cool mist of water or wiping the victim with a wet cloth
  • Watch for more severe symptoms and call for emergency help if person does not improve.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body’s ability to dissipate excess heat fails and constitutes an emergency situation. A person suffering from heat stroke requires immediate hospitalization. Until treatment at a medical facility is available, first aid should be immediately administered. This includes removing the victim to a cool area, thoroughly soaking the clothing with water, and vigorously fanning the body to increase cooling.

Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include:

  • Very high temperature (104 degrees F or higher)
  • Hot, dry, red skin
  • No sweating
  • Deep breathing and fast pulse - then shallow breathing and weak pulse
  • Dilated pupils
  • Confusion, delirium, hallucinations
  • Convulsions
  • Loss of consciousness

If heat stroke is suspected:

  • Call 911 for emergency help immediately
  • Move the victim to a cool, shaded area. Don’t leave the person alone. Lay the victim on back.
  • Move any nearby objects away from the person if symptoms include seizures or fits.
  • If symptoms include nausea or upset stomach, lay the victim on side.
  • Loosen and remove any heavy clothing
  • Have the person drink cool water (about a cup every 15 minutes) if alert enough to drink something, unless sick to stomach.
  • Cool the person’s body by fanning and spraying with a cool mist of water or wiping the victim with a wet cloth or covering with a wet sheet.
  • Place ice packs under the armpits and groin area.

Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, use of alcohol, and vomiting or diarrhea can put a person at risk for a heat stroke during very hot weather. Heat stroke is not only due to high temperatures and humidity, but also to not drinking enough fluids.

Protecting yourself and your coworkers

  • Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-induced illnesses and how to respond.
  • Inform or remind coworkers about heat-induced illnesses.
  • Perform the heaviest work during the coolest part of the day.
  • Build up tolerance to the heat and work activity slowly. This usually takes about 2 weeks.
  • Use the buddy system, with people working in pairs.
  • Drink plenty of cool water, about a cup every 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing, such as cotton.
  • Take frequent, short breaks in cool, shaded areas to allow the body to cool down.
  • Avoid eating large meals before working in hot environments.
  • Avoid alcohol or beverages with caffeine. These make the body lose water and increase the risk for heat illnesses.

What factors put you at increased risk?

  • Taking certain medications. Check with your health-care provider of pharmacist to see if any medicines you are taking affect you when working in hot environments.
  • Having a previous heat-induced illness.
  • Wearing personal protective equipment such as a respirator or protective suit.

Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water

Here is some additional advice that will be useful when working in the sun:
  • Minimize sun exposure, especially during the peak sun hours of 10 AM to 4 PM when the sun's rays are the most intense.
  • Apply sunscreens even on cloudy days, when 80 percent of the sun's rays can penetrate the clouds.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and pants during prolonged periods in the sun.
  • Beware of reflective surfaces; sand, snow, concrete and water can reflect up to 85 percent of the sun's damaging rays.
  • Use sunscreen with a thicker consistency to minimize the chance of sunscreen rubbed into the eyes. Try a SPF 15 chapstick for lips and face.

Remember, the signs of heat exhaustion can be easy to over look when you are busy. Make it a point to be aware of your environment, your liquid intake and the physical signs your own body gives you And watch for those who are around you as well. This advice is just as useful off the job, when you are with friends and family, as it is on the job, so we can keep ourselves safe in all our summer activities.

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