The Hazards of Heat Stress
One of the most serious health hazards facing cleanup workers is heat stress. The risk from the heat and humidity is exacerbated by the long days worked and the protective equipment required.
Physical work on hot days can overwhelm the worker.
Heat injury is caused when the body's ability to deal with heat is overwhelmed. Heat stress varies in severity but is common, serious and can be deadly. The good news is that it can be prevented.
- Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, is skin irritation caused by sweat that does not evaporate from the skin. Heat rash is the most common problem in hot work environments. Heat rash usually appears on the neck, upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts and in elbow creases. The best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less humid work environment. Keep skin dry, use powders, not creams or ointments.
- Heat exhaustion is the body's response to loss of water and salt from heavy sweating. Signs include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, and heavy sweating. Make sure that someone stays with the worker until help arrives. If symptoms worsen, call 911 and get help immediately.
- Heat stroke, the most serious form of heat-related illness, happens when the body becomes unable to regulate its core temperature. Sweating stops and the body can no longer rid itself of excess heat. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise above 104 ºF within 10 to 15 minutes. Signs include confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures. "Heat stroke is a medical emergency that may result in death! Call 911 immediately.
- Heat Syncope is a fainting or near fainting episode or dizziness that usually occurs with prolonged standing or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position. Factors that may contribute to heat syncope include dehydration. Workers with heat syncope should sit or lie down in a cool place when they begin to feel symptoms, and slowly drink water or electrolyte drink. If they have fainted, then call 911, notify their supervisor and make arrangements for evaluation by EMS or medical personnel to eliminate other causes.
- Heat cramps are caused by the loss of body salts and fluid during sweating. Low salt levels in muscles cause painful cramps. Tired muscles-those used for performing the work-are usually the ones most affected by cramps. Cramps may occur during or after working hours. Workers with heat cramps should replace fluid loss by drinking water and/or carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement liquids (e.g. sports drinks) every 15 to 20 minutes.
- Heat Fatigue is often caused by a lack of acclimatization. A program of acclimatization and training for work in hot environments is advisable. The signs and symptoms of heat fatigue include impaired performance of skilled manual, mental, or vigilance jobs. There is no treatment for heat fatigue except to remove the heat stress before a more serious heat-related condition develops.
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6-3. Why is heat stroke considered the most serious form of heat-related illness?
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