Working safely in hot conditions: Heat illness prevention

As air temperatures rise, our bodies don’t have gauges like the ones we check to make sure a machine isn’t overheating. Working in hot conditions means we must know how to prevent heat illness, recognize signs of heat illness, and know how to respond should someone experience a heat illness.

Prevention is key!

• Whether you are thirsty or not, drink water every 15 minutes. Signs of thirst are a sign that your body is already dehydrated.
• Wear light-colored clothing (dark colors soak up heat from the sun).
• Take rests in the shade.
• Watch out for each other and look for signs of heat illness.

Signs of heat illness are essential to know. 

• Heat exhaustion symptoms are dizziness, headache, sweaty skin, fast heartbeat, nausea/vomiting, weakness and cramps.
• Heat stroke signs include red, hot, dry skin; high temperature; confusion; fainting; and convulsions. Heat stroke requires immediate intervention. Find more information on the differences between heat exhaustion and a heat stroke.
• Seek medical treatment when any of these signs or symptoms are present!

Plan to prevent anybody from suffering heat illnesses. Create work plans that include water, shade, and rest. Train employees on signs to watch for, and have an emergency plan to swiftly seek help should someone start to experience symptoms.

For more on this topic, visit saif.com/heat.