Reducing Risk of Heat Illness It’s a fact: Heat illness can kill you. As the outdoor temperature climbs, so does your risk of heat illness. On average, more Americans die annually from heat related causes than from tornadoes, earthquakes and floods combined. During hot weather, it’s up to you take the simple steps we’ll outline today to help protect yourself. It’s a fact: Heat illness can kill you. As the outdoor temperature climbs, so does your risk of heat illness. Generally speaking, work in attics, crawlspaces or outside work in hot weather are the types of activities that present some of the greatest risks for heat stress; heat stress can strike you regardless of what you are doing, your gender, or what age or physical shape you are in. On average, more Americans die annually from heat related causes than from tornadoes, earthquakes and floods combined. During hot weather, it’s up to you take the simple steps we’ll outline today to help protect yourself. We will discuss three types of heat illness in graduating degrees of severity in this presentation.

Heat Cramps Warning sign body has lost too much salt Symptoms: Muscle spasms in the arms, legs or stomach that typically occur after work or when relaxing Types of Heat Illness Heat Cramps Heat Illness Exposure to heat can cause illness and death. The most serious heat illness is heat stroke. Other heat illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash, should also be avoided. There are precautions that can be taken any time temperatures are high and the job involves physical work. Risk Factors for Heat Illness High temperature and humidity, direct sun exposure, no breeze or wind Heavy physical labor No recent exposure to hot workplaces Low liquid intake Waterproof clothing

Warning body’s heat control mechanism has become overworked Symptoms: dizziness and/or nausea, pale and clammy skin rapid pulse, low blood pressure, fainting, or headache Types of Heat Illness Heat Exhaustion Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion • Headache, dizziness, or fainting Weakness and wet skin Irritability or confusion Thirst, nausea, or vomiting

Heat Stroke Person stops sweating and body temperature goes up Symptoms: heart pounds, skin is hot and red, unable to think clearly, pass out, collapse, or have seizures Types of Heat Illness Heat Stroke Symptoms of Heat Stroke • May be confused, unable to think clearly, pass out, collapse, or have seizures (fits) May stop sweating

Heat Illness Prevention Drink water early and often. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea or other drinks with caffeine. Rest and seek shade under tree or in service vehicle. Dress in light colors. Inform your supervisor of medical conditions or medications. Watch for signs of heat illness. The best way to treat heat illness is to prevent it. Drink water early and often. The body loses water through perspiration, and you need to replace it frequently. Don’t rely on your thirst; drink 5-7 oz. Every 20 minutes Experts recommend that you avoid using alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea or other beverages with caffeine as a fluid replacement. These types of drinks cause you to lose even more water and salt. The best defense is to drink plain water early and often. When possible, take frequent rest breaks. Immediately move to a cooler area (under a tree, in your car or truck with A/C running) if you feel dizzy or become nauseated. Dress in light colors. Inform your supervisor of medical conditions or medications which could potentially increase your risk of heat illness and finally, Watch for signs of heat stress. Most of the time, individuals may not realize what is happening to them until heat sickness strikes.