Heat Related Illness
Description and treatment of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke to keep workers safe.
Heat Related Illness
There are three types of heat related illness in the workplace:
Heat Cramps:
Painful cramps in the arms, legs or abdominal muscles caused by the onset of dehydration.
• If you have heat cramps, stop the activity and move to a cooler area.
• Drink cool water and gently stretch the affected muscles.
Heat Exhaustion:
A milder form of heat related illnesses and occurs from working in high temperatures coupled with inadequate fluid intake.
• Warning signs include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea/vomiting and fainting.
• The victim’s skin may feel pale and moist with rapid heart rate and high blood pressure.
• If untreated, heat exhaustion may transition into heat stroke.
• Drink plenty of liquids such as water and sports drinks to replace electrolytes.
• In extreme temperatures, more frequent breaks may be necessary to reduce the likelihood of heat related illness.
Heat Stroke:
A serious condition that if untreated by emergency medical care could result in death.
• Warning signs include pale dry skin with rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, disorientation, agitation, confusion, fainting, strange behavior, seizures and coma.
• Contact Emergency Medical Services and start to cool the victim by placing ice under the armpits and groin areas.
• Keep the victim in a cool place and fan them until emergency medical assistance arrives.