With summer quickly approaching, along with the peak of construction season, it’s crucial to turn our attention to HEAT STRESS PROTECTION.
On the west coast, where warmth graces our workdays throughout the year, the significance of heat stress protection becomes even more pronounced during the summer months. ☀
The first crucial step of safety under warm conditions is understanding the causes and recognizing the early signs of heat stress.
To understand Heat Stress, you must first understand the process within the body that regulate temperature.
HOMEOSTASIS: the self regulating process by which our bodies maintain stability, which includes the regulation of body temperature
THERMOREGULATION: a homeostatic process that allow the human body to maintain its core internal temperature of 98.6°F. Sweating and shivering are both mechanism to return the body to its internal core temperature. Sweating is the bodys main defense against overheating.
What is HEAT STRESS?
Heat stress occurs when the body cannot cool itself through sweating because the surrounding air temperature is close to or exceeds core body temperature (98°F). Heat Stress can lead to Heat Exhaustion which can lead to the more severe Heat/Sun Stroke.
OSHA warns that we should start protecting against heat stress starting at temperatures of 80°F. Anything above 90°F is cause for workers to be extremely cautious. If relative humidity is high, we should start paying attention at even lower temperatures.
HEAT INDUCED ILLNESS AND SYMPTOMS
| HEAT INDUCED ILLNESS | THE BODY RESPONSE | SYMPTOMS |
| HEAT EXHAUSTION: WATER DEPLETION SALT/ELECTROLYTE DEPLETION | Dehydration, excessive sweating which leads to excessive water and electrolyte depletion | Muscle cramps Nausea Pale, clammy skin Profuse sweating Rapid heatbeat Confusion Dark colored urine Dizziness or fainting Fatigue Headache |
| HEAT OR SUN STROKE: very serious, can cause death or permanent disability | The body stops sweating. Core temperatures reaches critical levels. At 105°F, the brain and o ther organs can be damaged | Internal Temp Above 100°F Confusion, disorientation, staggering Dizziness/lightheadedness Red, hot or dry skin Rapid, shallow breathing Rapid heartbeat Seizures Unconsciousness Fainting Throbbing Headache |
As you can see, heat stress is not something to be taken lightly. It is also something that can sneak up on you, so preventative measures are much better than reactive measures. Acclimatization, Electrolyte replenishment and cooling PPE are a great way to prevent these dire illnesses.
Stay informed. Stay hydrated. Together, we can tackle the heat and continue to build and grow, no matter the temperature.
Are you a visual learner? Watch our expert-led webinar on “Heat Stress on Worksites” here.
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