Heat and Cold Exposure
Delivery locations are typically outside areas where there is a potential for extreme seasonal weather and temperatures.
The following conditions can occur if a worker is exposed to hot temperatures:
- Heat exhaustion can result in headaches, dizziness, light-headedness, weakness, mood changes, and vomiting.
- Heat stroke can lead to dry, pale skin, mood changes, seizures, and possible death.
The following conditions can occur if a worker is exposed to cold temperatures:
- Frostbite is the freezing of deep skin tissue layers and leads to hardening and numbing of the skin. It usually affects the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, and nose.
- Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature falls below 95 degrees F. The person becomes tired and drowsy, begins to shiver uncontrollably, moves clumsily, and is irritable and confused. As the hypothermia progresses, the victim's speech becomes slurred, his or her behavior may become irrational, and unconsciousness and full heart failure can occur.
Possible Solutions
There are several things you can do to help prevent heat or cold-related illnesses. Here are a few things to remember:
- Get medical help for cold- and heat-related problems.
- Schedule deliveries during appropriate times of the day, such as at cooler times during hot weather.
- Drink plenty of cool water in warm, hot weather.
- Wear appropriate clothing (a hat and light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing in warm, hot weather OR warm, layered clothing in cold weather, including hat and gloves). In cold weather, pay special attention to protecting feet, hands, face, and head. Up to 40 percent of body heat can be lost when the head is exposed.
- Avoid exhaustion or overworking. Energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
6-2. When should your employer schedule deliveries to help prevent heat exhaustion?
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