Heat exposure can cause major problems. Learn how to recognize danger signs and what to do when you see them.

Brazil is enjoying its winter season, but summer is in full swing in the Northern Hemisphere. Though the warm weather and sunshine can mean beach time and outdoor fun, it can also be deadly. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year.

“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” is a phrase you’ve probably heard. In fact, it’s both. The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.

When a person works in a hot environment—whether from summer sun or an indoor heat source—their body rids itself of excess heat by circulating blood to the skin, where heat dissipates into the cooler air, and by sweating, where the cooling power of evaporation helps lower our body temperature. But when the air temperature is close to or warmer than normal body temperature, or the relative humidity is high, cooling becomes more difficult. Blood circulated to the skin stays warm, and sweat can’t evaporate. If the body cannot get rid of excess heat, the person’s core temperature rises and heart rate increases. They have trouble with concentration and focusing, may become irritable or feel sick, and often lose the desire to drink. If they can’t cool down, excess heat can result in fainting, or even death.

Excessive heat exposure can cause a range of illnesses, from heat rash and heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can result in death and requires immediate medical attention. A hot working environment can also mean injuries are more likely, thanks to sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, dizziness, and burns from hot surfaces or steam.

Stop Heat Illness Before It Starts

Stay aware as temperatures increase and remember to protect yourself from the heat. Prevention is the best medicine, so review the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses listed above and monitor yourself throughout the day. Grab a buddy to keep an eye on each other.

Stay hydrated! You need at least one bottle of water per hour during elevated temperatures. Drink often—every 15 minutes—even if you aren’t thirsty. Work with your supervisor to modify work schedules and arrange frequent rest periods with water breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

Managers: gradually increase workloads and provide more frequent breaks for workers who are new to the heat or returning after a break, allowing them to acclimatize to the working conditions. Designate a responsible person to monitor conditions and protect workers who are at risk of heat stress.

We recommend wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting protective clothing that provides cooling and staying in shaded areas as much as possible—it can be 15 degrees cooler in the shade. And while you’re staying safe on site, check on family, friends, and neighbors who don’t have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone, or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

We hope these tips will help keep you safe both on the job site and at home. Have fun in the sun and stay safe!

Heat Rash

Heat rash occurs where sweat remains on the skin, blocking sweat ducts and reducing the body’s ability to cool itself with sweat. The
sensation is often described as “prickly heat”.
Symptoms:

• Red cluster or pimples or small blister like rash
• Most likely occurs in areas such as the neck, upper chest,
  armpits, elbow creases, groin, and under breast
  What to do:
• Contact Safety and Supervision immediately
• Keep affected areas dry
• Avoid scratching
• Apply baby powder to help alleviate discomfor

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a critical state of heat stress, at which dehydration can cause blood volume to decrease, and the body has a strong
response to the loss of water and salt.
Symptoms:

• Profuse sweating
• Extreme weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness, confusion, nausea
• Clammy, moist, or flushed skin
• Muscle cramps
• Elevated body temperature
• Fast and shallow breathing
  What to do:
• Contact Safety and Supervision immediately
• Seek medical attention immediately
• Rest in a cool, shaded environment
• Administer fluids, ideally with electrolytes to replace lost salt
• Loosen clothing & use damp rag
  

Heat Stroke

At this phase of heat stress, the body loses its ability to control its temperature and its sweating mechanisms fail. Heat stroke can cause
death or permanent disability if treatment is not given promptly.
Symptoms:

• Hot, dry skin (no sweating), chills
• Mental confusion and/or delirium
• Erratic behavior, slurred speech
• Convulsions, coma, and/or fainting
• Headaches and/or dizziness
• Body temperature 105F or higher
  What to do:
• Contact Safety and Supervision immediately
• Seek emergency medical attention immediately
• Remove excess clothing or soak clothes with tepid water
• Pour, spray, or sponge with tepid water
• Fan body