602 Heat and Cold Stress Safety

Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body's temperature-regulating system fails and sweating becomes an inadequate way of removing excess heat. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention and can result in death. When heat stroke doesn't kill immediately, it can shut down major body organs causing acute heart, liver, kidney and muscle damage, nervous system problems, and blood disorders.

Signs an employee may be suffering from heat stroke are:

• Confusion
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Excessive sweating or red, hot, dry skin
• Very high body temperature
• Unconscious

Treatment. If a worker experiences heat stroke, employers should:

• call for emergency help immediately;
• lay the worker on their back unless the worker is unconscious;
• remove any objects close by if the worker has a seizure;
• provide cool water to drink if the worker is conscious; and
• place ice packs under the armpits and in the groin area to cool the worker.

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