Heat Stress

 

Heat Stress

Heat Stress

The exposure to heat can cause illness and severe health concerns to employees especially those who working in outdoor jobs. The most serious heat illness is heat stroke. Other heat illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash, should also be avoided, the following measures and precautions to be considered.

1.Understand that heat stress is a normal physical condition which is caused by any physical exertion. However, when employees directly exposed to sunrays, temperatures can exceed 50 ºC (120 ºF), which may lead to other adverse health effects because of this exposure.

2. Drinking enough water - Heat exhaustion can occur if an employee becomes too hot, expends too much energy, and does not drink enough required water for the body. Heat exhaustion is generally not dangerous and the symptoms are:

2.1. Profuse Sweating. 2.2. Nausea. 2.3. Dizziness2.4. Muscle cramps, generally in the legs & abdomen are the general symptoms.

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3. Employee should be training in basic first aid and the First Aid for heat exhaustion is:

3.1. Help the employee to lay down in the shade or air-conditioned area for the body temperature control.

3.2. Provide enough water - Give in small quantities every 2 to 3 minutes until the employee recovers.

3.3. Call for support from the Medical Facilities.

3.4. Remember - DO NOT gives salt or ice.

3.5. Instead apply cool water to the back of the neck and wrist.

4. Heat stroke is potentially life threatening and it occurs very rare, Heat stroke may occur after heat exhaustion has set in and has the below symptoms.

4.1. The body of the sufferer stops sweating but is very hot to the touch.

4.2. The employee will be disoriented or may become unconscious.

4.3. The employee generally will suffer condition of heat exhaustion prior to heat stroke effects.

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5. The basic First Aid for heat stroke is:

5.1. Call for company/local medical assistance immediately.

5.2. Move the sufferer into shade or air-conditioned area for the body temperature control.

5.3. If available, Pack the ice, around the sufferers wrists, under the arms, and groin area. If ice is not available, use water.

5.4. If the sufferer is conscious give small amounts of water to drink every 2 to 3 minutes.

5.5. Remove clothing of the employee in the chest to torso.

5.6. Remember - Do not allow stroke sufferer to swallow ice and DO NOT give salt.

6. Keep the sufferer calm and wait for the medical assistance to arrive for the medical support to the employee.

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