- Claims & Risk Management
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Under OSHA law, employers are responsible for providing workplaces free of known safety hazards. This includes protecting workers from extreme summer heat. An employer with workers exposed to high temperatures should establish a complete heat illness prevention program that includes the following:
- Provide workers with water, rest and shade.
- Allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimatize, or build a tolerance for working in the heat.
- Plan for emergencies and train workers on prevention.
- Monitor workers for signs of illness.
Extreme summer heat and humidity can cause several different types of heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition. Knowing the signs and symptoms of each heat-related illness will help to keep you and your employees safe on the job.
Heat-related Emergency Guide |
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The first step is always prevention. In summer heat and humid environments, always wear loose-fitting and lightweight clothes, take frequent breaks, drink lots of fluids, avoid caffeine (coffee and soda) and alcohol and do not stay in direct sunlight for long periods of time. | ||
Signs & Symptoms |
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Heat Cramps | Heat Exhaustion | Heat Stroke |
Heat cramps are muscular pain and spasms due to heavy exertion. Generally thought to be caused by a loss of water and salt through sweating. | Heat exhaustion is caused by fluid loss causing blood flow to decrease to vital organs. As a result of dehydration, victims often complain of flu-like symptoms hours after exposure. | Heat stroke is the most serious type of heat-related illness that is LIFE THREATENING and requires IMMEDIATE care. |
Heat cramps usually occur during outdoor activities or strenuous activities. Can occur even when it does not seem very hot or humid. | Heat exhaustion is serious but not life threatening, if identified and treated properly. Without treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. | Heat stroke occurs when the body’s heat regulating system fails. Body temperatures raise to a point that brain damage and death may result, unless the body is cooled very quickly. |
Signs & Symptoms | Signs & Symptoms | Signs & Symptoms |
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Summer Heat Treatment |
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Heat Cramps | Heat Exhaustion | Heat Stroke |
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General Guidelines and Reminders |
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Do not underestimate the seriousness of heat-related illnesses. Do not give medication to reduce fever and do not allow the victim to drink any caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. In heat-related emergencies, do not overlook other medical conditions that might be complicated by excessive heat. When in doubt, seek medical attention as soon as possible. |
When working outdoors, take time to monitor yourself, your employees and co-workers. When working outdoors, avoid long periods of direct sunlight and provide shaded areas, if possible. Use cooling fans to keep air circulating. Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothes when working in warm and humid environments. Provide workers with non-caffeinated fluids like water or Gatorade. Get immediate medical help for any employee displaying signs or symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. As an employer, recognizing and teaching others about the signs and symptoms of heat related illness is critical to the health of your employees and your business.
Visit OSHA.gov or contact the Safegard Group to learn more about keeping your employees safe during these dog days of summer heat.