National Heat Awareness Day is May 25

May 25 is #NationalHeatAwarenessDay, and here in Louisiana, we know about heat all too well. It’s often said that Louisiana has two seasons- hot and hotter (with a cold weekend or two thrown in there). Summertime is definitely the “hotter” season and there are many instances where your employees may have to perform duties outside or in environments with no air conditioning. While those job functions may be necessary, so is safeguarding them against heat related injury.
 
Heat Illness
Exposure to heat can cause illness and death. The most serious heat illness is heat stroke. Other heat illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash, should also be avoided.
There are precautions that should be take any time temperatures are high and the job involves physical work.
 
Risk Factors for Heat Illness

• High temperature and humidity, direct sun exposure, no breeze or wind
• Low liquid intake
• Heavy physical labor
• Waterproof clothing
• No recent exposure to hot workplaces

 
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

• Headache, dizziness, or fainting
• Weakness and wet skin
• Irritability or confusion
• Thirst, nausea, or vomiting

 
Symptoms of Heat Stroke

• May be confused, unable to think clearly, pass out, collapse, or have seizures
• May stop sweating

 
To Prevent Heat Illness, You Should

• Provide training about the hazards leading to heat stress and how to prevent them.
• Provide a lot of cool water to workers close to the work area. At least one pint of water per hour is needed.
• Schedule frequent rest periods with water breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas.
• Routinely check workers who are at risk of heat stress due to protective clothing and high temperature.
• Consider protective clothing that provides cooling.

 
How You Can Protect Yourself and Others

• Know signs/symptoms of heat illnesses; monitor yourself; use a buddy system.
• Block out direct sun and other heat sources.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Drink often and BEFORE you are thirsty. Drink water every 15 minutes.
• Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
• Wear lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothes.

 
What to Do When a Worker is Ill from the Heat

• Call a supervisor for help. If the supervisor is not available, call 911.
• Have someone stay with the worker until help arrives.
• Move the worker to a cooler/shaded area.
• Remove outer clothing.
• Fan and mist the worker with water; apply ice (ice bags or ice towels).
• Provide cool drinking water, if able to drink.

 
IF THE WORKER IS NOT ALERT or seems confused, this may be a heat stroke. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY and apply ice as soon as possible.