Each
produces bodily symptoms that can range from profuse sweating
to dizziness to cessation of sweating and collapse. Heat stress
can be induced by high temperatures, heavy work loads, the type
of clothing being worn, etc.
Review
the signs of heat stress in the Heat
Condition Table and the proper first aid to treat
it. The victim often overlooks
the signs of heat stress. The employee may at first be confused
or unable to concentrate, followed by more severe symptoms such
as fainting and/or collapse.
If heat stress symptoms occur, move the employee to a cool,
shaded area, give him/her water and immediately contact the
supervisor.
At-risk Employees
Some
employees are more likely to have heat disorders than others.
Younger employees and those more physically fit are often less
likely to have problems. Employees with heart, lung or kidney
disease, diabetes and those on medications are more likely to
experience heat stress problems. Diet pills, sedatives, tranquilizers,
caffeinated drinks and excessive alcohol consumption can all
exacerbate heat stress effects.
It
often takes two to three weeks for employees to become acclimated
to a hot environment. This acclimation can subsequently be lost
in only a few days away from the heat. Thus employees should
be more cautious about heat stress after coming back from a
vacation, when beginning a new job, or after the season’s
first heat wave. In short, precautions should be taken anytime
there are elevated temperatures (approaching 90 degrees F) and
the job is physically demanding.
Other
Factors
Other
heat stress factors are also very important. In addition to
temperature, increased relative humidity (see the Heat
Index Chart), decreased air movement or lack of
shading from direct heat (radiant temperature) will all affect
the potential for heat stress.
Prevention of Heat Stress - Supervisors:
