Hot Weather Safety
Summer is in full swing here in the Great Lakes State. As temperatures rise and the days get long that usually means more time working and playing outdoors. Unfortunately, it also means that the dangers of working and playing outside during hot weather also increase. Knowing how to stay safe in hot weather can help prevent heat stress injuries and heat stroke. Last year, heat-related illnesses made up 31% of emergency room visits across the US!
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder and occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. The body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes and heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Other heat-related disorders include heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. Learning to spot the signs of heat-related illnesses can save a life!
Heat Illnesses: Symptoms and Treatments
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that happens when your body temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s usually the result of overexertion in hot, humid conditions. Untreated, heatstroke can lead to organ failure, a coma or death. Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Dry, hot reddish skin and lack of sweating
- High body temperature
- Strong, rapid pulse
- Chills
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
If you or someone you know has signs of heatstroke, seek immediate medical attention and try to lower the person’s body temperature as quickly as possible. Immersing the person in cool water, or applying ice packs to the groin, neck, and underarms can be effective. Moving the person to a shaded or cool environment and removing any heavy clothing.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion happens when your body overheats (gets too hot) and can’t cool itself down. Your body can overheat during exercise or any physical activity, especially in hot, humid weather. Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to the loss of water and salt, typically through sweating. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Excessive sweating
- Weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness and/or confusion
- Clammy skin
- Muscle cramps
- Flushed complexion
If you or someone you know has signs of heat exhaustion, it’s important to take action right away. You should cool down by moving to a shady spot or air-conditioned building. Drink small sips of water or sports drink and stop doing physical activity. Lie or sit down to allow your body to rest and cool down.
Seek help if you need it. If symptoms don’t get better after about an hour of rest and fluids, call your healthcare provider. If symptoms worsen, call 911 or go to the Emergency Room.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps occur when you’re sweating so much (typically from exercising or working in the heat), losing salt (electrolytes) and fluids, that your muscles cramp. Heat Cramps can be very painful, but are not considered life-threatening. Symptoms of heat cramps include:
- Muscle pain and spasms are usually in the abdomen, arm, or legs.
If you are experiencing heat cramps, stop any physical activity, move to a cool place and slowly rehydrate yourself by sipping water or an electrolyte drink (like a sports drink).
Heat Rash
Heat Rash (otherwise known as prickly heat) is an irritation of the skin caused by excessive sweat getting trapped under the skin and blocking the sweat glands. Heat Rash is the most mild form of heat illness. Symptoms of heat rash include:
- Redness and itching of the skin
- Painful “tingling” of the skin
- A red cluster of pimples or small blisters
- Usually on the neck and upper chest, groin area, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.
To reduce the symptoms of heat rash, move somewhere cool and gently dry off the skin. Apply cold compresses to the affected areas. Do not use creams or lotions that could block the pores and sweat glands.
The best hot weather safety of all is prevention! All heat-related illnesses are 100% preventable. Read the 10 safety tips below and make sure you are prepared to implement the steps to keep yourself and others healthy and happy.
Ten Hot Weather Safety Tips:
- Stay hydrated. Hot weather calls for drinking ¾ of a gallon of water a day! Don’t wait until you are thirsty, sip water all day.
- Avoid dehydrating liquids. Alcohol, caffeinated and sugary drinks can hurt more than help.
- Wear protective clothing. Lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing helps protect against heat. Change clothing if it gets completely saturated.
- Pace yourself. Slow down and work at an even pace. Know your own limits and ability to work safely in the heat.
- Schedule frequent breaks. Take time for rest periods and water breaks in a shaded or air-conditioned area.
- Avoid getting sunburn. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. Use sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF rating.
- Be alert to signs of heat-related illness. Know what to look for and check on other workers that might be at high risk.
- Avoid direct sun. Find shade or block out the sun if possible.
- Check on family and friends. Elderly, ill, or other people at higher risk for heat illness might need your help in warm weather periods.
- Eat smaller meals. Eat fruits high in fiber and natural juice. Avoid large or heavy meals.
No matter how you plan to enjoy the hot weather, plan ahead and keep an eye out for signs of heat illness in yourself and your family/friends. Your preparation could literally save a life!