California now has the country's strictest rules on preventing work-related heat illness. Here's how to recognize and treat heat-related illnesses.
· Heat rash, the most common heat-related illness, develops when skin is persistently wet with unevaporated sweat. Most heat rashes disappear upon return to a cool environment.
· Heat cramps can occur when performing hard physical labor in the heat, when salt builds up in the body. To replace water lost from sweating, workers in hot or humid conditions should take water every 15 to 20 minutes, regardless of thirst. Carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement drinks can minimize physiological symptoms during recovery.
· Heat stress occurs due to overheating. Blood goes to the surface to cool the body, leaving less blood going to active muscles, brain and internal organs. Workers get weaker, fatigued and may be less alert. Remove the affected worker from the hot environment and give fluid replacement, rest and, when possible, ice packs.
· Heat exhaustion results from exposure to more heat than the body can handle. Body temperature and heart rate rise rapidly. An increase in body temperature of 2°F above normal can affect mental performance; an increase of 5°F can cause serious illness or death. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vertigo, weakness, thirst and giddiness. Fortunately, this condition responds readily to prompt treatment. Treat the same as for heat stress.
· Heat collapse occurs when an individual suffering from heat exhaustion faints when blood pools in extremities and not enough reaches the brain. It occurs suddenly and can lead to injury if the victim falls or is operating machinery. Treat the same as for heat stress.
· Heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness, occurs when temperature regulation fails and body temperature rises to critical levels. Heat stroke's symptoms include confusion; irrational behavior; a lack of sweating (usually); hot, dry skin; and an abnormally high body temperature, such as 105.8°F (41°C). These can result in convulsions, coma and even death.
More than 20 percent of people afflicted by heat stroke die, even young and healthy adults. Those who survive can become very sensitive to heat for months and experience varying degrees of brain and kidney damage. If a worker shows signs of heat stroke, obtain professional medical treatment immediately. Until help comes, place the worker in a shady, cool area and remove outer clothing. Wet the worker's skin and move the air around with a fan or other means to improve evaporative cooling. Replace fluids as soon as possible.
Not Just a Health Problem
In addition to creating serious health problems, heat can also affect safety. Accidents occur more frequently in hot conditions, due to impaired physical performance and lower alertness. Physical discomfort can also cause workers to become irritable or angry, which can cloud judgment. Heat can also promote accidents by causing palms to become sweaty and slippery, by causing dizziness or causing safety glasses to fog.
You can avoid many heat-related conditions by improving ventilation, installing/upgrading air conditioning, insulating heat sources and increasing movement of air through fans or "swamp coolers." Rescheduling outdoor work for cooler times of the day, or spreading heavy physical work over more workers than you would ordinarily use, can minimize risk. When you cannot avoid high-heat conditions, schedule frequent rest and water breaks in a cool area.
For more suggestions on avoiding heat-related illnesses and other safety problems, please call the PCOC Insurance Program department at Jenkins Insurance Services at (800) 234-6363