Heat Stress
Employees, especially those performing outdoor jobs, are
especially vulnerable to illness and serious health concerns brought on by heat
exposure. Heat stroke is the most dangerous type of heat illness. The following
measures and precautions should be taken in order to avoid other heat illnesses
like heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rash.
1.
Recognize that heat stress is a
common physical condition brought on by any kind of physical effort. However,
when workers are exposed to the sun's rays directly, temperatures can rise
above 50 °C (120 °F), which could have other harmful effects on their health.
2. Drinking enough water - If a worker gets too hot, uses up too
much energy, and does not consume the recommended amount of water for their body,
heat exhaustion may result. The following signs and symptoms of heat
exhaustion:
2.1. Excessive Perspiration.
2.2. Vomiting.
2.3. Vertigo
2.4. The main symptoms are muscle cramps, which are typically felt
in the legs and abdomen.
3. Employees ought to receive basic first aid instruction, and the
first aid for heat exhaustion is as follows:
3.1 Assist the worker in laying down in a cool, shaded area for
the regulation of body temperature.
3.2. Make sure there is enough water available; until the worker
is feeling better, give small amounts every 2 to 3 minutes.
3.3. Make a call to the medical facilities for assistance.
3.4. Keep in mind: DO NOT give ice or salt.
Instead, apply cool water to the wrist and the back of the neck.
4. Heat stroke is extremely rare and can be fatal. It can develop
after heat exhaustion and presents with the symptoms listed below.
4.1. The patient stops perspiring, but their body is still
extremely warm to the touch.
The worker will experience confusion or could pass out.
4.3. The employee typically experiences heat exhaustion before
experiencing the effects of heat stroke.
5. Basic First Aid for heat stroke is as follows:
5.1. Immediately contact the business or nearby medical
assistance.
5.2. Place the patient in a cool, shaded area to regulate body
temperature.
5.3 If there is access to it, apply ice to the patient's wrists,
upper arms, and groin. Use water in the absence of ice.
5.4. If the patient is conscious, give them little sips of water
every two to three minutes.
5.5. Take off the employee's clothing from the torso to the chest.
5.6. Keep in mind that stroke patients shouldn't be given salt or
allowed to swallow ice.
6.
Maintain the patient's composure and wait for the arrival of medical support
for the employee.