HEAT STRESS

Heat stress can be extremely dangerous on the jobsite. Outside of the direct consequences such as heat stroke, heat stress can cause incidents due to loss of focus or excessive fatigue on the job.

Heat Cramps:

Are painful, brief muscle cramps. Muscles may spasm or jerk involuntarily. Heat cramps can occur during exercise or work in a hot environment or begin a few hours later.

Heat Exhaustion:

There are two types of heat exhaustion.

1. Water depletion- Signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and loss of consciousness.

2. Salt depletion- Signs include nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness. Heat Stroke– Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness.

Medical Response

If anyone is displaying symptoms of a heat-related illness, it is important to get them the proper medical attention they need before the problem turns into heat stroke. For people displaying symptoms of heat exhaustion, have them stop work and get to a shaded area and seek appropriate medical attention.