What is Heat Stress?
Heat stress will occur when the body cannot get rid of excess heat. This can happen when the body's core temperature rises, and heart rate increases. High temperatures are the main weather condition that causes heat stress situations. High humidity and excess sunlight can too. As the body continues to retain heat, you can have trouble completing simple tasks, difficulty focusing, and start to lose concentration. You often lose the desire to drink, and you may become irritable or sick. Heat stress can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Fortunately, heat stress is preventable.
Who is at risk?
Workers exposed to extreme heat or working in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. This includes outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as firefighters, construction workers, factory workers, miners, linemen, oil drillers, boiler room workers, and others.
Statistics:
Even though all heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, some statistical approaches estimate that more than 1,300 deaths per year in the United States are due to extreme heat.
According to provisional data, heat was a contributing factor in 1,577 U.S. deaths in 2021. That's a 56% jump from 1,012 in 2018.
If your job requires you to work outside in hot weather, you and your supervisors can take precautions and use protective clothing to minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Heat-Related Illnesses: Heat Stroke, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Cramps, & Heat Rash.
Stay hydrated!
Staying hydrated is an essential component in preventing heat-related injuries. When working long hours outdoors and in other hot environments, it is key to consume water and drinks containing electrolytes such as sports drinks. According to OSHA, Water cannot replace electrolytes; other types of beverages are needed.
It is important to drink fluids regularly while on the job and not just when you are thirsty. If you can, find a shady spot to rest while drinking. This will help regulate your body temperature faster. Be sure to keep yourself hydrated by drinking fluids regularly!
Some signs of dehydration are:
- Feeling thirsty
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Red skin
- Headache, delirium, confusion
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth, lips, and eyes
- Not urinating often
How can I tell if I am hydrated?
If you take a bathroom break and your urine is darker than usual or has a strong smell, you are most likely dehydrated. Here is a chart to help you track your hydration based on urine color.
Be sure to follow the best practices:
Choose the right PPE:
It is important to wear lightweight and breathable clothing while working on the job. Heavy and bulky clothing while working in hot conditions will only increase the likelihood of heat stress-related injuries such as cramping and exhaustion. Moisture-wicking clothing will help keep you cool and dry from sweat. There are many different technologies added to workwear that help keep you cool.
Click here to check out our lightweight & moisture-wicking FR options!
Drink water, get rest, and find shade.
Employees need to ensure that they are taking the time to take a rest, get some shade, and stay hydrated. Resources such as water and sports drinks should be readily accessible to employees. Finding air-conditioned areas is the ideal for breaks even if that means sitting in an air-conditioned car.
Look out for each other!
OSHA’s National Emphasis Program (NEP) recommends using a “buddy system” while on the job with your co-workers. The buddy system is essentially looking out for your co-workers to make sure that there aren’t any noticeable signs of heat stress. Always be sure to tell your buddies to take a break and hand them some water!
It is also important to have an emergency plan in place so that everybody is prepared and on the same page if something were to happen. Employers should communicate plans to their employees & have specific plans based on different types of work sites (ie: Oil rigs, drill sites, and electrical buildings). Everyone should know what to do and who to contact given proper training.
Other Resource Links:
Click here to read more about OSHA’s National Emphasis Program
OSHA Quick Card: Heat Stress Guide