Notice of Non‑Discrimination and Notification of Rights Under Title VI
The Heat is On: Summer Safety
Posted July 02, 2015
Summer is here and so is the heat! We have been experiencing some record-breaking high temperatures on Maui recently. As the temperature outside continues to rise, so too does the danger of working in it. Every year, thousands of workers nationwide suffer some form of injury or illness from becoming overheated on the job. These are preventable.
Four common medical problems caused by heat exposure are: heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Heat rash--
- skin becomes irritated by excessive sweating
- looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters
Heat cramps--
- pains felt in the muscles, usually in conjunction with strenuous activity
- caused by a depletion of the body's salt and fluids
Heat exhaustion--
- the body beginning to break down by being unable to regulate its internal temperature
- symptoms include heavy and excessive sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.
Heat stroke--
- the body's temperature regulations system breaks down entirely, and the body is unable to cool itself.
- may cause death or permanent disability without emergency treatment
- warning signs include: extremely high body temperature (103°F or higher); skin that is red, hot, and dry, without sweating; a strong, fast pulse; a throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea, possibly with vomiting; confusion; and possibly unconsciousness
Treatment of these medical problems are:
- move to a cooler environment
- stop activity and rest in a cool place
- take a cool shower
- drink cool beverages (nonalcoholic)
- rest for an appropriate amount of time before returning to work
- if symptoms persist, immediately call for emergency medical help
Prevention is simple:
- increase the amount of fluids you drink, avoid alcohol, caffeine, and overly sugary drinks
- take frequent breaks in cool places
- use a sunscreen rated at SPF15 or higher
- use a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your head
- wear lightweight and airy clothing
- be aware of your working conditions
- use the heat index to get an accurate account of conditions
For additional information, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has a site dedicated to heat exposure with lots of information. It can be found here: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/