Hot Working Conditions
BUFFALO – On July 7, 2020, 35-year-old Timothy Barber collapsed at the end of his shift after working on the Genesee River Bridge Project in Geneseo. Treated for heat stress and heat exhaustion, he died from hyperthermia on his second day on the job. More information
Hot Enough For You?
The following conditions result from an abnormally high body temperature caused by a failure of the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body to deal with the heat coming from the environment.Common forms of hyperthermia include:
- Heat exhaustion - can result in headaches, dizziness, light-headedness, weakness, mood changes, feeling sick to your stomach, pale clammy skin, vomiting, and fainting.
- Heat stroke - leads to dry, pale skin, mood changes, seizure, collapse, and possible death.
Follow these safe work practices when working in hot temperature conditions.
- Seek medical help for cold- and heat-related stresses.
- Lower the employee's body temperature in heat-related conditions.
- Perform work during the cooler times of the day.
- Use the "buddy" system (work in pairs).
- Drink plenty of cool water in warm, hot weather.
- Wear appropriate clothing (hat and light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing).
- Apply sunscreen on sunny days.
- Take frequent, short breaks indoors to cool off.
- Educate employees to recognize and seek medical help for workers that have symptoms of heat-related stresses.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-6. Which form of hyperthermia might cause a worker to fall to the ground and have a seizure on a hot day?
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