Posted on May 2nd, 2023 by OSHA Phoenix
Workers need to be aware of heat stress. Heat stress occurs when the body has been exposed to excess heat and the body’s core temperature rises and heart rate increases. Excessive exposure to hot environments can lead to heat cramps (muscle pains or spasms), heat exhaustion (can precede heat stroke), and heat stroke (a life-threatening illness). Workers are encouraged to take appropriate breaks to ensure they are cooling down and staying hydrated to prevent this from happening. If a worker is experiencing a heat related illness, then immediately move them to a cool place and cool the victim by any means possible, such as placing ice packs on the neck, armpits, and the groin area. If you do not see improvement within 30 minutes, seek medical attention immediately as heat stroke can kill a person very fast. It is important to train workers to understand how heat stress can affect their health and safety.
