Summertime can put employees at risk for heat illnesses. High temperatures and humidity, direct sun or heat, limited air movement, physical exertion, poor physical condition, and some medicines are contributing factors to heat illnesses.
When the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke can quickly worsen and eventually cause death. Symptoms range from mild and easily correctable to severe and life-threatening, if not immediately addressed.
Many heat-related deaths are preventable when employees recognize the symptoms and know what to do. Watch out for these signs:
n Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating;
n Headaches;
n Confusion or dizziness;
n Nausea or vomiting;
n Rapid pulse;
n Muscle cramps;
n Weakness or fatigue; and
n Rashes.
If employees experience signs of heat-related illnesses, they must seek immediate medical assistance by calling 911. Employees can also be proactive and beat the heat with these tips:
1. Hydrate before, during, and after work. Prevention is important — drink at least 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes.
2. Dress appropriately for the weather. On warm days, wear light-colored, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing to keep your body temperature down.
3. Use the shade to stay cool. When possible, use shaded areas to stay out of direct sunlight.
Employees who experience difficulty breathing or discomfort as a result of the heat while wearing a face covering should remove the covering until the discomfort ceases.
However, if the employee decides to remove his or her face covering, they must practice social distancing when they come into contact with others, and sneeze or cough into their elbow or a tissue.
For more tips on preventing heat illnesses, use the following resources:
n Safety talk module in the Safety Toolkit: safetytoolkit.usps.gov/Homepage/Homepage.aspx.
n Safety Depends on Me videos: blue.usps.gov/corpcomm/uspstv/safety-and-health.
n Safety resources in the Safety Toolkit: safetytoolkit.usps.gov:12/atozindex.aspx.
n Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website: osha.gov.
n National Safety Council website: nsc.org/homesafety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/winter.
— Safety and OSHA Compliance Programs,
Employee Resource Management, 7-16-20
