From Jennifer Green at Venbrook Wellbeing Newsletter June
Understanding Heat Illnesses
In the construction industry, heat illness isn't just a matter of discomfort - it is a critical safety hazard that can escalate from fatigue to a life-threatening medical emergency in a matter of minutes. Because heavy physical labor, direct sun exposure, and personal protective equipment (PPE) drastically accelerate dehydration and core body temperature, proactive intervention is essential.
Heat illness occurs when your body gets too hot and can no longer cool itself. It can come on quickly, and some forms can become life-threatening within minutes. Anyone who works in a hot environment, indoors or outdoors, can be affected. Knowing what to look for in yourself and your coworkers could save a life.
Types of Heat Illness and Their Symptoms
There are several types of heat illnesses, ranging from mild to severe.
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It requires immediate emergency care. Symptoms may include:
- Confusion, disorientation or unusual behavior
- Slurred speech or loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Very high body temperature
- Hot, dry skin or heavy sweating
- Rapid heart rate
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses too much water and salt through sweating. Symptoms may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Weakness or fatigue
- Elevated body temperature or fast heart rate
- Decreased urine output
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms caused by loss of salt and fluids during physical activity. They most often affect the legs, arms or abdomen.
Heat syncope involves sudden dizziness or fainting, often from standing too long or rising quickly after sitting.
Heat rash appears as red clusters of small bumps or blisters, most often on the neck, chest or in skin folds where sweat collects.
Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition caused by muscle breakdown during prolonged exposure to heat. Symptoms include muscle pain or cramps, weakness and dark or cola-colored urine.
Take Action
If you or a coworker shows signs of heat illness, act immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve on their own, and do not try to determine which specific illness is occurring. Symptoms can overlap, and conditions can worsen quickly.
If you or a coworker shows signs of heat illness:
- Move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area immediately.
- Remove unnecessary clothing.
- Cool the person quickly using ice packs, cold wet cloths or a cold water bath if available.
- Apply cold, wet cloths to the head, neck, armpits and groin.
- Encourage slow sips of cool water if the person is conscious and able to swallow.
- Do not leave the affected person alone.
- Call 911 if symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness or seizures.
Remember, report any heat-related symptoms to your supervisor right away, even if the symptoms seem mild. Heat illness can escalate quickly, and early action matters.
For additional health and well-being guidance, please reach out to Jennifer Green at Venbrook, our preferred benefits partners, at jgreen@venbrook.com.