602 Heat and Cold Stress Safety

Heat-Related Illnesses

Excessive exposure to hot environments can cause a variety of heat-related health problems. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if precautions are not taken immediately. Heat illnesses can range from heat rash and cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat Rash

Heat rash often occurs in hot, humid environments where sweat doesn't evaporate from the skin. The sweat ducts become clogged and result in a rash. Heat rash can be very uncomfortable. Victims of heat rash will see clusters of red bumps on the skin. The rash usually appears on the neck, upper chest and folds of the skin. To prevent heat rash, employees should work in cooler and less humid environments, if possible. Also, make sure to keep the affected area dry.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps may happen alone or with other heat-related illnesses. They are painful muscle spasms caused by dehydration while performing hard physical labor in a hot environment. The cramps are usually caused by too much salt in the body due to sweating, but can also be caused by too little salt. Tired muscles are also very susceptible to heat cramps.

Treatment. If a worker experiences heat cramps, employers should have the worker:

• rest in shady, cool area;
• drink water or other cool beverages (not alcohol);
• wait a few hours before returning to strenuous work; and
• seek medical attention if cramps don't go away.

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