Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDP
Clinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare
For many in the U.S., this week is going to be a hot one! Many areas have already had extreme heat warnings and advisories. OSHA’s Workplace Safety Reminder for today addresses heat illness.
Heat-related illnesses can be prevented.
- Hydrate before, during and after work. Drink 1 cup of cool water every 20 minutes even if you aren’t thirsty. For longer jobs, drinks with electrolytes are best. Avoid energy drinks and alcohol.
- Find shade or a cool area for rest breaks that allow your body to recover.
- Dress for the heat. A hat and light-colored, loose-fitting (where allowed), breathable clothing are ideal.
- If wearing a face covering, change it if it becomes wet or soiled. Check on others verbally often.
- Not everyone tolerates heat the same way. Understand personal risk factors.
- Understandingengineering controls, work practices, and PPE.
Know the signs of heat illness and how to respond
Abnormal thinking or behavior, slurred speech, seizures or loss of consciousness are signs of a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately, cool the worker with water or ice and stay with them until help arrives.
- Heat illness can cause:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Weakness or dizziness
- Heavy sweating or hot, dry skin
- Elevated body temperature
- Thirst
- Decreased urine output
- If you spot someone experiencing the signs above, take action:
- Give them water to drink
- Move them to a cooler area
- Cool them with water, ice or a fan
- Remove unnecessary clothing
- Do not them leave alone
- If in doubt, call 911 or seek medical care
- Get more tips on first aid so you can be prepared in the event of an emergency.
Consider downloading and posting this OSHAPreventing Heat Illness at Work poster; also available in Spanish.
Keep an eye on all workers in and around your facility for signs of heat illness, just as you do with the residents and visitors in your building. Take care of each other!
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