Employee Guide to Heat Illness Prevention
August 12, 2009
Thank you to Liz Johnson of Kit Fox RV Park for sharing their guide to heat illness prevention for employees. This valuable tool can be shared with your staff to educate them about the dangers of heat illness and how to protect themselves.
EMPLOYEE GUIDE TO HEAT ILLNESS PREVENTION
Heat illnesses are caused by a buildup of body heat generated either internally by muscle use or externally by the environment or both. Employers Name , as your employer, your supervisor and you all have an essential role to play in preventing any heat illness. To help you, we provide you with the following information.
Environmental Factors leading to heat Illnesses:
1. High temperature
2. High humidity
3. Direct sun or heat
4. Limited or no air movement
Personal factors leading to heat Illnesses:
1. Amount of physical exertion.
2. Poor physical condition and age.
3. Alcohol and caffeine consumption
4. Some medicines (such as diuretics … water pills) may make some people more sensitive to heat illnesses.
5. Some medical conditions such as high blood pressure or some heart conditions may make some people more sensitive to heat illnesses.
Preventing heat illnesses:
1. Wear loose fitting clothing and a hat with a good brim to keep the sun off your head
and face.
2. Drink plenty of water to replace the fluids you lose from sweating.
3. Feeling thirsty is not a reliable sign that your body needs fluids.
If your urine is dark yellow, you need to drink more water.
4. Avoid caffeine because it is a diuretic (makes you urinate more).
5. It is better to drink small amounts more often than big gulps less often.
6. Take rest breaks.
7. If you haven’t worked for two or more weeks, you need to give yourself time to get used to working in the heat again.
Kinds of Heat Illnesses:
Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion happens when a worker sweats a lot and doesn’t drink enough fluids.
The worker looks wet, white and weak.
Signs and Symptoms:
1. Sweaty
2. Weak or tired, possibly giddy 3 Nausea
4. Normal or slightly higher body temperature
5. Pale, clammy skin (sometimes flushed)
What to Do:
1. Tell your supervisor
2. Rest in the shade
3. Drink water. Avoid caffeinated drinks such as colas, ice tea or coffee
4. Loosen clothing
5. Fan yourself and dampen clothing.
6. In severe cases involving vomiting or fainting, you should seek emergency medical care
Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is the most serious heat illness but it is not very common. It is caused by the failure of the body to regulate its core temperature. Sweating stops and the body cannot get rid of excess heat.
Signs and Symptoms:
1. Dry, hot skin with no sweating – usually red or bluish color.
2. Mental confusion or losing consciousness.
3. Seizures or fits.
What to Do:
4. Tell your supervisor (or co-worker, anyone).
5. Move to a shaded area.
6. Soak the person with cool water.
7. Fan the person vigorously to increase cooling.
In case of an emergency:
1. Tell your supervisor if you or a co-worker are suffering from a heat illness.
2. Your supervisor will contact the foreman by radio and request immediate medical help.
3. If necessary, your supervisor will call 911 directly.
4. You should always know the address or location of where you are working so you can give directions to emergency medical providers if needed.
