Heat can kill. This week is the hottest so far this summer. It is also humid increasing the heat index or the humidex which makes the effect of the heat more intense.
Please, avoid heat stroke. How? By doing these things:
1) Avoid prolonged overexposure to heat
2) Stay properly hydrated
3) Account for lack of acclimatization and both personal and job risk factors
Avoiding prolonged overexposure to heat involves reducing the time and the intensity of exposure to heat and other heat stress factors. Where and when possible, use engineering controls e.g. ensure shading, ventilation, periods of recovery in cool areas like an air conditioned truck and use of light colored light weight breathable clothing. Let machines do the heavy work if possible.
Staying properly hydrated involves drinking sufficient water frequently e.g. 4 to 6 ounces of cool water every 20 minutes. Eat moderate amounts of food with some salts (potassium, magnesium etc. as well as sodium) and avoid alcohol, caffeine and excess high sugar drinks.
Consider risk factors such as direct sun, enclosed spaces, and black asphalt, nearby steam or fire. Also consider personal age, health and fitness, medication and medical conditions which can affect the heart, lungs blood pressure etc.
If a person has not been building up to working in intense heat, do not let them do too much too soon. They may be able to do only ½ their normal job the first day under intense heat and they may need 5 to 7 consecutive days to gradually increase their exposure.
Lastly, “buddy up” or make sure people work together and observe each other for signs of heat exhaustion and warn anyone and a supervisor if signs appear. Warning sign include dizziness, unreasonable irritability, heart pounding, chills, dry lips and skin, fainting, red hot skin and profuse sweating that suddenly quits. Quickly cool drench and fan a person who goes into heat stroke and get an ambulance.
This is a life and death issue. Heat Stress management can literally save a life.
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