Injury Illness Prevention Plan - Flipbook - Page 13
Some of the Risks associated with Heat Stress:
x Loss of concentration and difficulty in focusing on tasks.
x Increased irritability of sickness.
x Little or no desire to drink.
x Rise in heart rate and body temperature.
x Fainting and possible death if person is not removed from the source of the heat
stress.
x Older, heavier workers and workers on certain medications are at higher risk to
heat stress.
x Heat–induced disorders include transient heat fatigue, heat rash, fainting, heat
cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
x Aside from the aforementioned disorders, heat poses the threat of occupational
injuries because of accidents by slippery palms as a result of sweating, fogged
up safety glasses, and dizziness and muscle fatigue.
Symptoms and Responses:
Heat Stroke:
x The most serious health problem for workers in a hot environment is caused by
the body’s failure to regulate its core temperature. Sweating stops and the body
can no longer release extra heat. Victims of heat stroke can die unless treated
properly.
Signs of Heat Stroke:
x Mental confusion.
x Body temperature of 106 or higher.
x Hot, dry skin that may be red, mottled, or bluish.
Heat Stroke Treatment:
x Prompt first aid can prevent permanent injury to the brain and other vital
organs. CALL 911 FOR MEDICAL RESPONDERS.
x While waiting for medical responders, move the worker to a cool, ideally shaded
safe area.
x The worker’s clothing should be soaked with cool water.
x Fan the worker vigorously to increase the air flow over the body and increase
cooling.
Heat Exhaustion:
x Results from loss of body fluids from sweating and from not drinking enough
replacement fluids.
x The worker still sweats but experiences extreme weakness or fatigue.
x The worker may experience giddiness, nausea, or headache.
x The skin is clammy and moist with body temperatures that are normal or slightly
elevated.
Revised: October 2023
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