JULY 2012
Why Heat Stress is an Important Topic
for Employers
Those who are exposed to extreme heat in the
workplace face the risk of heat stress. Extreme heat
exposure may result in illnesses. These can come
in the form of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat
rashes or heat cramps. High temperatures can also
increase the risk of workplace injuries. For example,
a worker may develop sweaty palms, which results
in a worker dropping a heavy object on his or her
foot. Heat may also fog up a person’s safety glasses
or create a feeling of dizziness. If extremely hot
temperatures are an issue, burns are another risk to
think about.
Workers who are at risk of heat stress do not only
work in one type of environment. They may work
outdoors or indoors. For example, firefighters,
bakery chefs, farmers, construction workers, boiler
room workers and factory employees face exposure
to extreme heat. Individuals who are overweight,
have high blood pressure, are over the age of 65
or have heart disease are at a greater risk for heat
stress. People who take certain medications are
also in a higher risk category. It is important for
employers to take steps to prevent heat stress in
the workplace. Employees should be trained to
understand the risks, how to prevent injuries and
how to treat coworkers with heat stress illnesses.
Heat Stroke
This is the most serious heat-related stress issue.
When the body is unable to control its own
temperature, heat stroke sets in. The body’s
temperature rises and can reach 106 degrees
Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes. The body’s
sweating capabilities fail, which contributes to the
quick rise in temperature. Heat stroke can result in
permanent disability or death without emergency
treatment. If a coworker shows signs of heat stroke,
move that individual to a cool shaded area. Have
someone call 911 immediately. Soak the individual’s
clothes with cool water. Fan the body to speed up
cooling. The following symptoms indicate heat
stroke:
Chills
l Hallucinations
l Dry hot skin
l High body temperature
l Throbbing headache
l Slurred speech
l Confusion and dizziness
l
Woodland Falls Corporate Park
220 Lake Drive East, Suite 210, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
(P) 856-482-9900 • (F) 856-482-1888 • Email: [email protected]
continued on page 2
Luanne Funari
Vice President,
Director of Claims Management
JULY 2012
continued from page 2 ... Why Heat Stress is an Important Topic for Employers
Heat Cramps
These are usually experienced by workers who
sweat from strenuous work throughout the day.
Profuse sweating depletes the body’s moisture
and salt levels. The lessened amount of salt causes
painful muscle cramps. Muscle pain or spasms
in the legs, arms or abdomen are the symptoms
to look for. Cramps may also be a sign of heat
exhaustion. Workers who experience heat cramps
should stop what they are doing immediately, find a
cool place to sit and drink a sports beverage or clear
juice. It is important to relax for a few hours before
returning to work. Further exertion could lead to
heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If a worker is on a
low-salt diet, has heart problems or still has cramps
after an hour, it is important for that individual to
seek medical attention immediately.
Heat Exhaustion
This is what happens when the body responds to a
great loss of water and salt. Workers who have high
blood pressure, are over the age of 65 or work in a
very hot environment are more likely to experience
heat exhaustion. If a coworker is suffering from heat
exhaustion, have that individual rest in a cooler area
or air-conditioned room. That person should also
drink plenty of cool water. A cool sponge, shower or
bath can also help. To identify heat exhaustion, look
for the following symptoms:
l
Extreme weakness
l
Excessive sweating
l
Nausea
l
Pale or flushed face
l
Muscle cramps
l
Slightly elevated body temperature
l
Moist clammy skin
l
Dizziness and confusion
l
Fast shallow breathing
Affected workers may not experience all of the
symptoms listed. Heat syncope and heat rash are
also possible risks. Syncope involves a fainting spell,
which may be triggered by quickly standing up.
However, it is always important to get the individual
to a cooler place, offer liquids and determine
whether an emergency medical response team
should be called. Employers should stress the
importance of reporting incidents to supervisors
immediately. There are several steps employers
can take to prevent risks. For example, employers
should provide cool beverages, cool break areas,
schedule hot jobs for cooler months and monitor
workers with health problems.
Woodland Falls Corporate Park
220 Lake Drive East, Suite 210, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
(P) 856-482-9900 • (F) 856-482-1888 • Email: [email protected]
Luanne Funari
Vice President,
Director of Claims Management