Be Aware of the Symptoms

When a person works in a hot environment, the body tries to rid its self of excess heat by sweating. This enables the body to maintain a stable internal temperature. Heat related illness occurs when the body cannot cool it’s self down properly and begins to fall into different stages of heat illness. 2Retail Association Services, Inc.

Risk levels 3Retail Association Services, Inc.

Heat-related illness: Happens when the body is not able to cool itself and the body begins to overheat internally. It doesn’t necessarily have to happen when outdoors – you can be in a hot indoor environment and experience the same problems. Is preventable when you watch for the signs and plan work accordingly. Can cause injury, disability or death. 4Retail Association Services, Inc.

Types and warning signals Heat Rash – skin rash under clothing. Heat Cramps – large muscle cramps legs/arms. Heat Fainting – not acclimated to temperatures, paleness, dizziness. Heat Exhaustion – light headed, nausea, heavy sweating, tiredness. Heat Stroke – elevated body temp, stop sweating, mental confusion, headache, rapid pulse, unresponsive. 5Retail Association Services, Inc.

Here is a short video… Retail Association Services, Inc.6 Heat Related Illness - Dr. Porter Heat Illness – L&I Video 2008

Other factors to consider What kind of and how hard are you working? Are you taking any medications? Types of clothing and personal protective gear. Your age. Heat can build up quickly in enclosed areas such as your car and some buildings. Also factor in the humidity as well as the temperature. The combination of high levels of heat and humidity actually creates a higher ambient temperature or heat factor. 7Retail Association Services, Inc.

First aid Dial down the activities you do during hot days. Stay hydrated with water or sport drinks (with electrolytes are even better). Have fluids at regular intervals; 1 cup every 15 minutes or 1 quart every hour. If you see or sense symptoms, take breaks in the shade, more fluids. Remove excess clothing (PPE) when not needed. Try to cool down the person as quickly as possible. Misting with water and providing a breeze will be very effective. If condition appears to get worse, call 911 and if available start applying icepacks to forehead, armpits, neck, groin areas. 8Retail Association Services, Inc.

Puzzle page 9 Criss-Cross Word Search Retail Association Services, Inc.

Thank you for your time and if you have additional questions please contact Rick Means at Retail Association Services; ext18 10Retail Association Services, Inc.

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