When temperatures surge in Texas, workers operating in the construction, landscaping, oil, and gas industries face difficult conditions under the scorching sun. Air humidity adds to the challenge, increasing the risk of heat-related illness, which can lead to serious health consequences.
As the summer gains momentum in the sunny state, employers and safety managers can keep their workers safe by learning how to prevent workplace stress and heat injuries, and how to treat them.
Recognizing Heat Exhaustion and Other Heat-Related Illnesses
Heat-related illness is a medical condition that arises after prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity. Because mild heat exposure can progress to life-threatening conditions if left untreated, it’s important to recognize the early symptoms so you can avoid more severe heat illness.
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats but can still cool itself. If you take quick steps to cool down and get hydrated, heat exhaustion is not life-threatening.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness or extreme fatigue
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke if you don’t treat it right away. Heat stroke is a more dangerous condition and occurs when the body’s natural cooling mechanisms fail. This can cause your core body temperature to rise dangerously, sometimes exceeding 104°F. It can lead to organ failure or death. Heat stroke requires immediate emergency treatment. Symptoms include:
- High body temperature (103°F or higher)
- Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
- Sweating that may or may not stop
- Rapid pulse
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
Hydration and Cooling Strategies That Help Prevent Heat Illness
Taking steps to stay cool and hydrated in the heat can reduce the risk of heat-related illness. The following strategies are the most effective immediate solutions for symptoms of overheating and sun exhaustion.
- Wearing Protective Clothing: Lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing is the best option for hot weather. Breathable fabrics keep the body cooler, while wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses offer protection from the strong sun reaching the face.
- Taking Regular Breaks: Frequent breaks, especially during the hottest part of the day, allow the body to recuperate. Moving to air-conditioned spaces or into the shade gives workers a chance to cool down before resuming work.
- Applying Cool Compresses: Placing a cool, damp cloth on the neck, wrists, and forehead can help the body cool down.
- Drinking Plenty of Fluids: Drinking water or other hydrating fluids throughout the day helps workers stay hydrated in hot weather. Workers should drink water regularly, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Thirst is often a sign that the fluid levels are already low.
- Avoiding Dehydrating Beverages: The consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and sugary beverages should be limited when working in the heat. These drinks are not as hydrating as water and can increase the risk of dehydration.
- Using Electrolyte Solutions: Sports drinks or electrolyte solutions contain the same minerals and fluids we lose through sweating. Drinking them during exertion in the heat can help prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance.
- Eating Water-Rich Foods: Fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries, help maintain proper hydration.
- Monitoring Hydration: In addition to monitoring thirst and being alert to other symptoms of heat illness, workers should pay attention to the color of their urine. When the body is properly hydrated, urine should be a pale yellow, while dark yellow or amber may suggest dehydration.
Practical Heat Safety Tips for Outdoor Workers
Workplaces should follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) “Water. Rest. Shade.” framework to protect workers from the health effects of heat exposure.
- Water: Employers should provide cool water for workers to drink at all times. For job sites where employees will be working in the heat for two hours or more, employers should also provide access to fluids that contain electrolytes.
- Rest: Employers should require workers to take breaks during hot weather. As the temperatures rise, rest breaks should be more frequent and last longer.
- Shade: Workers should have easy access to cool locations for breaks. This can include shady areas, an air-conditioned vehicle, a nearby building, or an area set up with fans and misting devices.
Work sites should also encourage workers to wear appropriate clothing to prevent sunburn or overheating. As an employer, you should consider heat acclimatization for workers and allow flexibility for new or returning workers as they get used to hot weather.
How Employers Can Build a Heat Safety Program
Employers can reduce the risk of workers developing heat-related illness when operating under the heavy sun by setting up a comprehensive heat safety program. Training workers and supervisors about the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to prevent them can improve workplace safety during the summer months. In addition, developing emergency response plans will help workers know how to get medical aid quickly when necessary.
Teams can use the buddy system to check in on one another and keep an eye on colleagues to watch for signs of heat illness. Summer workplace practices should include frequent breaks and having plenty of water available.
If you have any questions about how to protect workers during the hot weather months, ask the local health department for guidance on designing a heat safety program for workers.
When to Seek Medical Care for Heat-Related Symptoms
Mild cases of heat exhaustion on the job may not require medical attention. Individuals can typically manage symptoms with rest, hydration, and moving to a cooler location. However, if symptoms don’t improve, people with heat exhaustion may need to see a health care provider for additional care.
If you or someone you work with has signs of heat stroke, such as elevated body temperature (about 104°F), severe confusion, unconsciousness, or seizures, call 911 immediately. This is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening without prompt medical attention.
To give your employees a safety net when working in harsh outdoor conditions, explore a Next Level Prime membership. Provide your workers with unlimited access to healthcare and have peace of mind knowing that top healthcare providers are available to answer your and your workers’ concerns about heat-related illness and many other conditions. Visit Next Level Urgent Care in one of the 45+ locations across Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. We are open from 9 AM to 9 PM, seven days per week.
