Heat Illness & Prevention

Heat Illness & Prevention

As the summer season is approaching, the changes in the working performance of the individuals will be observed, hence it is mandatory that the upcoming risk is identified in advance and relevant preventive measures are adapted to avoid any mishap.

First of all an individual needs to understand what is Heat Illness and what are the corresponding symptoms so that relevant correct actions are adapted and implemented. Well, Heat Illness is defined as,

Body's inability to cope with a particular heat load.

If the heat illness is not treated on time, the consequences can be minor to the severe, hence it is the mandatory requirement of the ILO Convention 155 that an employer is legally bound to provide;

1. A safe workplace for the employees;
2. The safe working environment for the employees;

What is Heat Illness?

Heat Illness is the collection of the results when someone is exposed to the heat. Workers can be exposed to heat-related events both indoors and outdoors and depending on multiple factors, including outside temperature.

When workers are involved in the work activities outdoor, where they are executing work like loading, unloading, and construction, they are exposed to the sunlight. If they are working indoor, they can be exposed to heat or hot temperatures when working in a confined space, or near the heat-generating equipment.

In the light of the above-mentioned statement, it is mandatory that the employer adapt PREVENTIVE MEASURES and avoid any incident due to heat illness at the workplace. The employer and employee should be able to recognize the early signs of the trouble and stop it from worsening.

Heat Stress & Heat Stroke

Heat Stress occurs when the body can't get rid of excessive heat.

When the body can't control the rising temperature the body core temperature rises and the body cooling mechanism fails and leading to heat stroke.

The most serious of all heat-related illnesses, HEAT STROKE is a medical emergency, that the human body experiences in case the body temperature don't decrease. The body temperature rises above 104°F within 10-15 minutes, and the regular body heating and cooling mechanism fail as a result. The body can't get rid of the excessive heat, hence heat stroke is experienced.

Symptoms

• Confusion
• Miscommunication
• Sweating Excessively
• Lack of Sweating Entirely
• Headache
• Consciousness
• Seizure
• Fast Breathing
• Shortness of Breathing
• Not Responsive

It is mandatory that the workers working at the site take good care of themselves as well as their companions as per Recommendation #16 of Recommendation 164 which is a supplement to Convention C155 - Occupational Health and Safety.

Heat Exhaustion

The second most serious heat-related illness is HEAT EXHAUSTION experienced by the body if the temperature increases from 100°F, the body starts sweating, the energy is drained and loss of fluids and electrolytes is experienced. The body feels dehydrated, and the body's ability to regulate the temperature is affected.

If the HEAT EXHAUSTION is not treated on time, the body temperature rises rapidly, hence the chances of the heat-stroke increase as well, so the most important thing to remember is to recognize it and treat it immediately.

Typical symptoms of the HEAT EXHAUSTION are listed below;

• Excessive Thirst
• Heavy Sweating
• Headache & Dizziness
• Weakness, Nausea, Irritability

Heat Cramps

Heat Cramp is a painful muscle spasm experienced when the body rapidly loses maximum salts and electrolytes due to excessive sweating. The situation is experienced due to heavy work, and strenuous activity in a hot environment. The pain is felt in the legs, arms, back, and abdomen.

The heat cramps are the early warning signs of the trouble coming ahead, and they must be taken seriously. The workers should be trained and well-informed about it so that if they experience such a situation, they should be able to inform their fellow workers or stop the job and move themselves to the shadow. The victim should be provided with fresh juices, cold beverages, and cold water to drink and cool down the body. Workers should return to work when feeling completely fit.

Heat Rash

A HEAT RASH is a common problem found on the elbows, neck, and groin. It is typically caused by sweating and appears as small blisters or pimples. The body loses salts, and water in form of sweating, hence the skin experiences the rashes.

Heat Rash is not dangerous immediately, still, it can cause trouble hence leading to productivity loss, and workers feeling uncomfortable.

Control Measures

1. Eliminate Work in High Temperature: The work activity should be scheduled to perform in low-temperature times.
2. Job Rotation: The work activity should be in rotation form, the worker should be given a break of 30-45 minutes in which he/she should take rest, drink water, cold beverages, etc.
3. Welfare Facilities: The worker should be provided with the welfare facilities at the worksite, where he/she can sit, drink, and eat in a safe manner. Washing and toileting facilities are also part of it.
4. Heat Producing Equipment: The heat-producing equipment available should be maintained on time, and fully covered with the heat-absorbing material if they can not be moved outdoor.
5. Ventilation: Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) should be provided at the worksite to draw in the fresh air and extract heat.
6. Environment Cooling Arrangements: The employer should provide the work facility with cooling arrangements, e.g., fans, air conditioner, etc.
7. Hydration: The workers should be provided with plenty of water, and cold beverages to keep them hydrated. The workers should be trained and informed well about preventing the heat-illness with hydration.
8. Emergency Medical Arrangements: Emergency arrangements should be made by the employer to address any emergency. The workers should be trained and informed on how to respond if someone is suffering heat stress or stroke.
9. Emergency Actions: If someone is feeling unwell due to heat-illness, or has fallen unconscious he/she should be moved to a cool place, and if necessary alert the emergency services to transport him to the local hospital.
10. Risk Assessment: Working in extreme conditions should be subject to the Risk Assessment so that the relevant hazards are identified, and countered in a proper manner.
11. Training, Awareness Campaigns, and Heat Alert Program: Workers should be trained, and well informed. An awareness campaign about heat illness should be launched. Heat Alert Program should be implemented which is divided into 4 parts as listed below;
1. Caution: 80°F-90°F
2. Extreme Caution: 91°F-103°F
3. Danger: 103°F-124°F
4. Extreme Danger: ≥126°F

References

1. OSHA - Working in Outdoor and Indoor Heat Environments
2. Heat Stress - Temperature - HSE UK
3. Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness - CDC
4. Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke
5. Heat Rash