Heat and the Human Body

heatHeat kills more people than hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes or any other weather-related cause.  Summertime is here and, in Arizona, heat is a tremendous concern.  However, in any state where you have employees working outside in above average temperatures, there is a significant risk of heat illness.

Because humans are warm-blooded, we are able to maintain a fairly constant internal temperature, even when exposed to extreme temperatures.  But if outside temperatures exceed normal skin temperature, it becomes more difficult for the body’s cooling system to work. If warning signs are left unheeded the result may be severe heat illness or even death.

Let’s study the types of heat illnesses, learn of their warning signs and discuss what you can do to protect your workers.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and it occurs when the body’s regulatory system fails.  There is often very little warning to the victim.

Symptoms:

  • Skin is hot, usually dry, red or spotted
  • Body temperature is 105o or higher
  • Victim is mentally confused, delirious, convulsing or unconscious

Treatment:

Early recognition and treatment of heat stroke is the only way to prevent permanent brain damage or death. Though the victim should be hospitalized as soon as possible, first aid should be administered immediately.

  • Move the victim to a cool area
  • Remove any heavy clothing and loosen all other clothing
  • Cool the body by fanning and/or spraying with a cool mist of water
  • Wipe the body with a wet cloth or cover with a wet sheet
  • Place ice packs under the armpits and in the groin area

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is caused by the loss of large amounts of body fluid.  Symptoms may be similar to heat stroke, but not as severe.

Symptoms:

  • Skin is clammy moist, usually pale or flushed
  • Fatigue, giddiness, nausea, headache, vomiting and/or fainting

Treatment:

  • Move the victim to a cool, shaded area, but do not leave the victim alone
  • If the victim feels faint, lie them down and elevate their legs 6-8 inches
  • If the victim feels nauseous, lie them down on their side
  • Loosen clothing and remove any heavy clothes
  • Assist the victim in drinking water (1 cup every 15 minutes), if they are able to sit up and are not nauseous
  • Cool their body by fanning and/or spraying with cool mist of water
  • Apply a wet cloth to the skin
  • If symptoms do not begin to subside in 10-15 minutes, seek medical attention

Other Heat-Related Symptoms:

  • Heat Cramps – May occur to individuals who sweat profusely and do not take in enough water, sodium and potassium.  Beverages designed to balance the body’s electrolytes are recommended.  (Beverages that contain caffeine are not recommended.)
  • Fainting – Often occurs to workers unaccustomed to the heat.  Also, those who stand erect in the heat with their knees locked may be susceptible to fainting.  Those who work outdoors should move around to keep the blood circulating.
  • Heat Rash – Usually occurs in hot, humid environments where sweat does not evaporate easily, causing sweat ducts to become plugged.  Periodic rest in a cool place is recommended.
  • Transient Heat Fatigue – Usually occurs to workers unaccustomed to the heat.  Allow these workers to gradually get used to working in a hot environment.

Protect Your Workers:

  • Provide plenty of water or beverages that balance electrolytes, and encourage workers to take in at least 16 cups during an 8-hour workday. OSHA requires all company vehicles to have cups and water available to workers. Failure to do so will result in fines if inspected by OSHA.
  • Provide opportunities for your workers to take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors to cool off.
  • Allow workers who are not accustomed to the heat to acclimate slowly.
  • Train foremen/supervisors to take every warning sign seriously, and to take appropriate action immediately.  Delays in treatment could cost a life!

Human bodies are amazing machines with incredible abilities to regulate temperature.  However, extreme temperatures and long periods of time in the heat may take their toll on even the most well conditioned bodies.  Take care of your workers and don’t allow them to become a heat illness or death statistic!

Creative Business Resources is a NAPEO member and professional employer organization (PEO) that has the expertise to help your organization plan for the future labor shortage as well as providing the administrative assistance to allow you to focus on the management of your company. We have become an HR outsourcing industry leader focused on full service HR solutions instead of “cheap benefits” for our clients.

Contact us or request a proposal for more information!