How to prevent heat related illness

Before work begins, drink water until you feel full. Then for the rest of the day and as often as every 15 minutes, drink a cup of water or sports drink.

Contractors and construction workers are at especially high risk for heat related illness – and even death – that occurs when temperatures soar. Not only do contractors spend hours outside in the hot sun, they’re often doing strenuous physical activities. While you can’t control the heat, here are some important steps you can take to prevent heat related illness on the construction site.

Heat related illness

When you work in a hot environment, your body attempts to maintain a normal temperature. The hotter it is, the harder your body has to work to stay cool. When the body has absorbed more heat than it can dissipate, illnesses can result. Some of the illnesses are just uncomfortable; while others are so serious they can result in death. The four most common types of heat illness are:

• Heat rash – In hot, humid climates when sweat remains on the skin for long periods, a rash can develop. If the rash is extensive or becomes infected, it can be very uncomfortable. To avoid heat rash, rest in a cool place during breaks and allow your skin to dry.
• Heat cramps – Painful muscle spasms can occur when you sweat profusely, drink large quantities of water and do not replace the body’s salt. Salted liquid should relieve the cramping.
• Heat exhaustion – Heat exhaustion results from excessive sweating in hot working conditions. Someone with heat exhaustion continues to sweat and can experience extreme fatigue, giddiness, nausea, headache, and even unconsciousness. The skin will feel clammy and moist; the complexion will be pale or flushed; and the body temperature will be normal or slightly elevated. If you suspect heat exhaustion, rest in a cool area and drink plenty of liquids. A severe case of heat exhaustion can require treatment and/or hospitalization for several days
• Heat stroke – The most serious heat illness, heat stroke, is caused when sweating is no longer adequate to cool the body. Body temperatures can soar to 105 degrees F or higher, and confusion is common, and convulsions or unconsciousness can result. The skin will feel hot and dry, and appear red or spotted. Anyone with symptoms of heat stroke must get immediate first aid to prevent permanent brain damage or death. Move the victim to a cool area, soak the clothing with water and vigorously fan the body to cool it. Call 911 for emergency treatment.

What construction workers should do

When you work in a hot environment, your body attempts to maintain a normal temperature. The hotter it is, the harder your body has to work to stay cool. When the body has absorbed more heat than it can dissipate, heat related illness can occur.

Before work begins, drink water until you feel full. Then for the rest of the day and as often as every 15 minutes, drink another cup of water or sports drink. Eat smaller meals before work and avoid caffeine, alcohol and large amounts of sugar.

Work in shade whenever possible and take regular breaks to cool down by resting in a shady or air-conditioned area. Dressing for extreme temperatures includes wearing light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing, if work rules allow. Sweat-soaked clothes cool you better than bare skin. Wear a hat with a wide brim. If possible, do the heaviest work during the coolest part of day.

Consult your health professional about working in the heat if you are on medication. Many medications and diseases interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature and dissipate heat, increasing the likelihood of heat related illness or accident.

What supervisors should do

Train construction workers and other supervisors to recognize the signs of heat related illness, and provide water and shade on the job site. Throughout the day, remind workers to drink water and have someone actively monitor the condition of workers. Hot, sunny days with high humidity and little breeze are the most dangerous; whenever possible, schedule work during the coolest part of day or at night.

Remember too, that the danger of heat related illness is highest when temperatures begin to climb. Under normal circumstances, a worker will adjust to higher temperatures in four to 14 days.

—By Pam Gruebnau