Employee Tips for Beating the Heat

Overview
As the summer weather sets in, remember that heat-related illness can be prevented. When exposed to heat, the body cools itself by sweating. In extreme heat conditions though, the body may have a more difficult time regulating temperature, resulting in a number of potentially dangerous conditions. In 2001, 300 deaths occurred as a direct result of excessive heat exposure.¹

Heat-Related Illness

• Heat rash occurs when skin is irritated due to excessive sweating.¹

• Heat cramps occur when people deplete the body's salt and moisture through strenuous activity. Heat camps are characterized by painful spasms, usually in leg and abdominal muscles, and heavy sweating.² Heat cramps are often an early sign of heat exhaustion.^1-3

• Heat exhaustion occurs when people lose an excess amount of body fluid from heavy sweating. As this happens, blood flow to the skin increases, causing a decrease in blood flow to vital organs and in a mild form of shock. Heat exhaustion is characterized by heavy sweating, although skin may remain cool, pale or flushed, a weak pulse, and higher than normal body temperature. In some cases, those with heat exhaustion may experience fainting, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or headaches.² If heat exhaustion goes untreated, a person may experience heat stroke.^1-3

• Heat stroke (also commonly known as Sun Stroke) occurs when sweating fails to work as a cooling mechanism and the body is unable to regulate its temperature. Heat stroke is characterized by high body temperature (105+) as well as hot, red, or dry skin. Symptoms may also include a rapid, weak pulse and rapid shallow breathing. Occasionally, victims may lose consciousness. If the body is not cooled quickly, heat stroke can cause brain damage or death.^1-3 Those with symptoms of heat stroke should receive medical attention as soon as possible.

Risk Factors for Heat-Related Illness¹

• Age (Infants and children under the age of four and those over the age of 65 are at the greatest risk).
• Obesity.
• Fever.
• Dehydration.
• Heart disease.
• Mental Illness.
• Poor circulation.
• Sunburn.
• Prescription drug use.
• Alcohol use.

Prevention of Heat-Related Illness

When it is hot and humid outside, remember to:

• Drink a lot of fluids to replenish liquids lost from sweating.
  • Drink 2-4 glasses water each hour.1 If a person is on a fluid-restricted diet, he should consult with his doctor before increasing intake of liquids.1
  • Avoid drinks that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
• Stay in cool places.
  
  • While fans provide a cool breeze, they cannot prevent heat-related illness when temperatures are in the high 90s.¹
  • Limit outdoor activity to the early morning or evening.
  • If a person does not have air conditioning in his or her home, spend the hottest part of the day in an air conditioned public building, such as a public library, movie theatre or shopping mall.²
• Limit out-door exercise.
  • If a person exercises out-doors, rest often in shady areas.
  • Replenish fluids, salt, and minerals with water or sports drinks.¹
• Take cool baths or showers in order to reduce body temperature.
• Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Apply sunscreen.

Employer Action

• Encourage employees who work outside to "buddy up" in the heat. This ensures that co-workers check up on one another to look for signs of heat-related illness.
• Educate employees about heat-related illness. Provide employees with free educational materials on heat-related illness including:
  • Fact sheets on signs of heat-related illness.
  • Brochures on heat-related illness prevention.
  • Tips about talking to your doctor about heat-related illness.

For information on the symptoms and first aid for heat-related illness visit: http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/heat.shtm

Citations

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Extreme heat: a prevention guide to promote your personal health and safety. Available at: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp. Accessed June 10, 2008.

² FEMA. Are you ready? Extreme heat. Available at: http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/heat.shtm. Accessed June 10, 2008.

³ American Red Cross. Heat waves. Available at: http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_243_,00.html. Accessed June 10, 2008.