Here comes the sun – and the heat stroke

05/07/09

Summer is coming and that means high heat and potentially hazardous working conditions. Employees who work outdoors or in confined spaces where cooling or air circulation are limited, even when temperatures climb, are at risk for developing heat related illnesses. If you are unprepared, or if symptoms are left untreated, these conditions can quickly become fatal.

Before summer’s heat starts, make sure your employees are protected from heat stroke and other extreme temperature hazards, by following these guidelines:

• Provide shelter from the sun and allow employees working in hazardous temperature conditions to take regular cool-down breaks.
• Make sure water is readily available and allow employees to drink throughout the day. Limiting water intake to breaks could endanger your employees’ lives.
• Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including heat syncope, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include:
  • High body temperature
  • A lack of sweating, although skin may be hot red or flushed and dry skin
  • A rapid pulse
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Irrational or strange behavior, including hallucinations, disorientation. agitation or confusion
  • Seizure
  • Coma
  • Death
• Make sure all employees, especially supervisors and managers, are also aware of the symptoms and first aid procedures for each type of heat-related illness.
• Keep first aid supplies on-hand at all job sites. For heat related illnesses, this would include ample water or sports drinks, a shower or hose for emergency cool-downs, a shaded or air-conditioned area for recovery and a working telephone to summon 911.

OSHA requires employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. Ignoring heat related risks could result in steep fines or penalties. Make sure summer’s heat doesn’t sideline your employees or melt down your bottom line.