Human Resources

Safety Talk: Do You Know the Signs of Heat Illness?

It’s hot. It’s humid. You’re working hard. You — or one of your coworkers — could be suffering from heat exhaus­tion or heat stroke. Be aware of the symptoms of heat ill­ness and the actions you should take.

Heat Exhaustion

The symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Headaches.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Weakness.
• Mood changes, irritability, confusion or the inability to think clearly.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Decreased or dark-colored urine.
• Fainting.
• Pale, clammy skin.

Act Immediately! If not treated, heat exhaustion can advance to heat stroke or death.

• Move the victim to a cool, shaded area. Don’t leave the person alone.
• If symptoms include dizziness or lightheadedness, lay the victim on his or her back and raise legs 6 to 8 inches.
• If symptoms include nausea or vomiting, lay the vic­tim on his or her side.
• Loosen and remove any heavy clothing.
• Give the person cool water to drink — about a cup every 15 minutes — unless he or she is nauseous or vomiting.
• Fan the victim and spray with a cool mist of water or apply a wet cloth to skin.
• Call 911 for emergency help if the person does not feel better in a few minutes.

Heat Stroke — A Medical Emergency

The symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Dry, pale skin with no sweating.
• Hot, red skin that looks sunburned.
• Mood changes, irritability, confusion or the inability to think clearly.
• Seizures.
• Inability to revive from an unconscious state.

Call 911 immediately for emergency help. Then:

• Move the victim to a cool, shaded area. Don’t leave the person alone.
• Lay the victim on his or her back.
• If the victim is having seizures, move any nearby objects away.
• If symptoms include nausea or vomiting, lay the vic­tim on his or her side.
• Loosen and remove any heavy clothing.
• Give the person cool water to drink — about a cup every 15 minutes — unless he or she is nauseous or vomiting.
• Fan the victim and spray with a cool mist of water or wipe the victim with a wet cloth or cover with a wet sheet.
• Place ice packs under the armpits and groin area.

Prevent Heat illness

The best way to prevent heat illness: Drink plenty of fluids.

— Safety and Environmental Performance Management,
Employee Resource Management, 7-5-07