How to prevent heat illness
Supervisors and workers should receive training on how to recognize heat related symptoms and what to do to treat it. A heat illness happens when your body is unable to dissipate heat effectively. When the balance of salt and water in your body become unbalanced your temperature rises and then sweating fails to keep you cool. The results of this can include: heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Is heat illness preventable?
Yes. Heat illnesses are very preventable. Not only is heat illness bad for your health but heat related illnesses contribute to decreased performance and therefore can have a substantial cost to workers and employers. Let’s examine some steps supervisors and workers can take to prevent heat illness.
Supervisors with a commitment to providing an effective program of safety can avoid heat illness with their workers. Ensure workers have the needed time to build up tolerance or acclimatize to the heat. This can be done during the first few days of working in warm or hot environments.
7 Tips To Avoid Heat Illness
- Drink water every 15 minutes whether you are thirsty or not when working in a hot environment
- Take regular rest breaks in a shaded and cool area
- Wear sunscreen
- Wear a wide brimmed hat
- Wear sun glasses
- Wear neck shade scarf
- Cooling vest
The most effective way to keep workers safe is Supervisors receiving training on how to recognize heat related symptoms and what to do to treat it.
Heat Illness Signs & Symptoms >
