Heat-related illness is a significant problem – especially for workers who are exposed to high air temperatures, radiant heat sources, high humidity or strenuous physical activities, or who wear heavy or non-breathable protective clothing.

Heat-related illnesses can even be life-threatening. Therefore, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms:

• Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer regulate its core temperature. Signs include confusion, fainting, seizures, excessive sweating, red and dry skin, and/or very high body temperature. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
• Heat exhaustion stems from heavy sweating. Signs include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, fast heart beat and/or cool, moist skin.
• Painful heat cramps are caused by the loss of body salts and fluid due to sweating.
• Heat rash or prickly heat is caused by sweat that does not evaporate from the skin.

How to Prevent Heat-Related Illness

Check the weather forecast regularly – and know what to do when the heat and humidity pose danger to your employees’ health. Keep this Heat Index tool handy (click on links for more specific protective measures).

Source: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/#hot

To learn more, please refer to OSHA’s Heat-related Illnesses and First-Aid chart.