What is Heat Illness?
Heat illness means a serious medical condition resulting from the body's inability to cope with a particular heat load and includes heat syncope; heat cramps; heat exhaustion; and heat stroke.
Heat Syncope
Heat syncope occurs when a person faints suddenly and loses consciousness because of low blood pressure caused by the heat causing blood vessels to expand (dilate), so body fluid moves into the legs by gravity, which causes low blood pressure and may result in fainting, dizziness, or light headedness. Workers with heat syncope should sit or lie down in a cool place and slowly drink water, clear juice, or a sports drink…NOT an energy drink because they actually create dehydration.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps usually affect workers who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles cause painful cramps or spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs. Workers with heat cramps should drink water and have a snack or a drink that replaces carbohydrates and electrolytes (such as sports drinks) every 15 to 20 minutes. Seek medical care if cramps have not subsided within one hour or if the person has other underlying medical conditions. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Heat exhaustion is most likely to affect the elderly, those with high blood pressure and working in hot environments. Symptoms includes headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, elevated body temperature and decreased urine output. Immediate cooling and professional medical care are necessary. Do not hesitate to call 911.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Symptoms includes confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech, loss of consciousness (coma), hot, dry skin or profuse sweating, seizures, very high body temperature and can be fatal if medical treatment is delayed. Immediately call 911.
For more information on heat illness in construction or any other safety questions or concerns, please contact PGM Safety Services, an affiliate company of Pro Group Management. We will be happy to assist when you visit us at www.pgmnv.com or call (800) 859-3177.