Millions of Americans work outdoors daily and are at risk of heat-related illnesses. Working outdoors in hot weather can be dangerous, even deadly. Working in hot weather can cause many health problems, including heat stroke, exhaustion, cramps, and rashes. It can also increase the risk of injuries, as sweaty palms can make it challenging to grip tools or equipment. Heat stroke, exhaustion, and cramps are severe conditions caused by working in hot weather.
Heat-related illnesses range from mild conditions like heat exhaustion to more severe and life-threatening conditions like heatstroke. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), thousands of workers suffer from heat-related illnesses yearly, and some cases even result in fatalities. Anyone who works outdoors is at risk of heat-related illness, but some people are more vulnerable than others. The elderly, young children and people with chronic health conditions are at increased risk, along with people who are overweight or obese.
Heat can adversely affect your body when you work in hot weather. Never leave workers alone when they complain of heat-related symptoms. Their condition can worsen quickly! Take them to a cool location and provide first aid. Even a brief delay in first aid can make the difference between life and death. Your body works harder to keep itself cool in the heat, which can lead to dehydration, which can cause several problems, including:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Sweating
This is Jame's story: "I came down with heat exhaustion in just 15 minutes in 105 degrees on an airport ramp because of salt depletion and wearing the wrong clothing. It took me a long painful day to recover and I was lucky. I had a strange reaction, bringing me to my knees and trying to recover my vision and not become sick to my stomach. It comes upon a person unaware."
In severe cases, dehydration can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition. Heat stroke occurs when your body's core temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Skin that is hot, red, and dry
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
A Roofer's story: "A 42-year-old man started a new job as a roofer. His employer did not have a formal plan to protect new workers from heat-related illness although there was plentiful water, ice, and Gatorade available at the site. The worker felt fine during his first two days of work. His third day on the job was slightly warmer, with a high temperature of about 86°F and relative humidity of 57%, for a heat index of 90°F. In the afternoon, the worker told his co-workers he felt hot and sick. He climbed down from the roof and went to sit by himself in the sun. When his co-workers checked on him a few minutes later, he had symptoms of heat stroke. He was taken to a hospital where he died."
Temperatures do not have to be extremely hot to cause heat stroke in workers. Remember, total heat stress is a combination of environmental heat and workload. Air temperatures in the 80s (°F) are high enough to result in a Heat Index value of 90°F. They are also high enough to kill some workers.
When working outdoors, staying safe in hot weather is crucial. Here are some essential tips:
- Have a formal plan in place to protect workers from heat-related illness.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
- Eat salty foods to help your body retain fluids.
- Make sure there are plenty of scheduled rest breaks when working in the heat.
- Take breaks in the shade or air-conditioned buildings.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen.
- Check on your co-workers and ensure they stay hydrated and take breaks.
If you start feeling ill in hot weather, stop working and immediately get to a cool place. Drink plenty of fluids and rest. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you have any heat stroke symptoms
There are many devices with a ton of options that can help keep outdoor workers cool in the heat. Here are a few examples:
- Cooling vests keep workers cool by circulating cool air around the body. Worn under or over clothing and available in various styles and sizes.
- Cooling towels absorb sweat and help to evaporate it, which cools the body. Worn around the neck, head, or other body areas, they are available in various colors and designs.
- Cooling fans are a great way to circulate cool air around the body. They can be handheld or mounted on a stand and are available in various sizes and styles.
- Cooling misters spray a fine mist of water into the air, which helps to cool the body by evaporation. They can be handheld or mounted on a stand and are available in various sizes and styles.
- Ice packs may be placed on the forehead, neck, or other areas to help cool the body. They are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
- Water bottles are essential for staying hydrated in hot weather. Filled with cool water, they should be easily accessible.
- Hats help to protect the head from the sun. They should be wide-brimmed and made of a light, breathable material.
- Sunscreen is vital for protecting the skin from the sun's harmful rays. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours.
- Sunglasses help to protect the eyes from the sun's harmful rays. They should be polarized and should fit snugly over the eyes.
- Gloves help to protect the hands from the sun and the elements. They should be made of a light, breathable material and should fit snugly over the hands.
- Boots help to protect the feet from the sun and the elements. They should be made of sturdy material and should fit snugly over the feet.
Training programs to educate workers and supervisors on the risks of heat exposure, early warning signs of heat-related illnesses, and best practices are a vital part of prevention. This includes educating workers on the importance of hydration, proper rest breaks, and acclimatization to hot conditions
Working outdoors in hot weather can be dangerous, but there are steps you can take to stay safe. Stay hydrated, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and take breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned building. If you experience any symptoms of heat-related illness, stop working and seek medical attention immediately.
Remember knowledge is the key to ensure you and your team prepare for the heat with the proper safety equipment, self-cooling tips, and the symptoms of too much heat. Heat illness should be considered a preventable illness. Educate yourself and your co-workers so that everyone makes it home safely!
