Employees who spend most of their working hours outdoors or in extreme heat are at increased risk for heat-related injuries including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The most common signs of heat exhaustion can include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke which can result in permanent brain damage or death. If you have employees who work outside, you may need to make some adjustments and monitor your employees for heat-related injuries. Employers can help to prevent heat exhaustion/stroke by calling work off or shortening shifts on extremely hot and humid days, providing extra breaks in air conditioned areas, equipping machinery with air conditioning, providing water and providing shade in the work area. Employees suffering from heat exhaustion should get out of the heat immediately, drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids, remove any restrictive clothing and if possible, take a cool shower.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
