Heat illnesses are completely preventable and yet thousands of workers are affected each year. Working outside in the sun puts construction workers at an extreme risk. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), heat illnesses affected 2,630 workers and caused 18 deaths in 2014 alone. It is crucial for employers to know prevention methods, the warning signs and what to do if a worker becomes ill.
Follow these tips from OSHA to prevent heat related illnesses:
- Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty
- Rest in the shade to cool down
- Wear a hat and light-colored clothing
- Learn the signs of heat illness and what to do in an emergency
- Keep an eye on fellow workers
- "Easy does it" on your first days of work in the heat. You need to get used to it
- Avoid beverages containing caffeine
Using the heat index
Employers should monitor the heat index to determine the risk level of heat illness occurring. The heat index takes temperature and humidity into account, making it a better measure than air temperature alone for estimating risk to workers.
| Using the Heat Index to Determine Risk for Heat Illnesses | |
| Heat Index | Risk Level |
| 91 degrees or lower | Low |
| Between 91 and 103 degrees | Moderate |
| Between 103 and 115 degrees | High |
| Greater than 115 degrees | Very High |
When are workers at a greater risk?
Even if the heat index is low, it is important to take other factors into consideration when estimating risk for heat illness. The risk for heat illness increases when workers are in direct sunlight. Workers are also more at risk when they are performing strenuous work and/or are wearing heavy protective clothing. Workers who are new to outdoor jobs are also more at risk for heat-related illnesses.
Know the symptoms of heat illnesses
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following are the warning signs of heat exhaustion:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Cold, pale and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
The CDC lists symptoms of heat stroke as:
- High body temperature
- Hot, red, dry or moist skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Possible unconsciousness
What to do if a worker experiences heat illness
The CDC suggests workers suffering from heat exhaustion should move to a cooler location, lie down, loosen clothing, apply cool, wet cloths to as much of their body as possible and sip water. If the worker has vomited and it continues, they should seek medical attention immediately.
If a worker is suffering from heat stroke, the CDC suggests calling 911 immediately, as heat stroke is a medical emergency. The worker should be moved to a cooler location and their body temperature should be reduced with cool cloths or a bath. According to the CDC, a person suffering from heat stroke should NOT be given fluids.
Amerisure encourages all employers to become fully educated on the dangers of heat illness, in order to prepare properly and keep workers safe. To learn more, visit https://www.osha.gov/heat/index.html
Infographic: Protect Your Workers From Heat Illnesses
