Name: Working in the Heat
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Construction

Manual labor at high temperatures can lead to a number of risky situations. In this course, we will learn about the dangers of working in the heat, and what we can do to maximize worker safety. 

In this lesson, we'll be talking about the common hazards faced by manual laborers who often work in high temperature settings. Learn about the definition of heat stress, and some heat related illnesses commonly associated with it. 

They all tend to work at high temperatures.


Construction workers, firefighters, factory workers, and other occupations that combine manual labor with high temperature settings are at a higher risk of heat stress compared to workers in more sedentary roles.
Workers over 65 years old;
overweight workers;
workers with heart conditions or high blood pressure;
and workers who take regular medications are also highly susceptible to heat stress.


Who is at Risk?


Aside from hyperthermia, what are the other risks associated with working at high temperatures?


Heat Exhaustion
After prolonged excessive sweating, the body experiences heat exhaustion.
Elderly workers, as well as those who suffer from high blood pressure, are especially susceptible to heat exhaustion.


.. headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, thirst, high body temperature, and heavy sweating, among others.


Heat Stroke
If the symptoms of an affected worker's heat exhaustion is not adequately relieved, their condition can worsen and turn into a full-fledged heat stroke.
Heat stroke is a serious condition which can lead to death or permanent disability if proper treatment is not provided.


Symptoms of heat stroke include:
loss of consciousness, confusion, and slurred speech;
profuse sweating, or hot but dry skin;
extreme body temperature; and
seizures


Heat Stroke: First Aid Response
Call 911 ASAP
Move the affected worker to a cool room or area and remove outer layers of clothing for better heat dissipation
Lower the affected worker's temperature quickly by dousing them with cold water, or putting them in an ice bath (if available)
Ensure air circulation in the room is good for faster cooling
Wet cloths with cold water and place on the affected worker's head, neck, groin, and armpits


Lesson 1: Dangers of Working in the Heat (Part 1)

In the second part of this series, we'll talk about lesser known dangers of working in the heat such as the potentially fatal rhabdomyolysis, and eye damage from ultraviolet radiation, among others. 

The death of muscle tissue results in the release of electrolytes and large proteins into the bloodstream...


...potentially causing arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythms), seizures, or worse, permanent kidney damage.


Immediately stop all physical activities for the affected worker
Encourage increased consumption of liquids (preferably water)
Seek immediate professional care from the nearest clinic or hospital
Specifically ask to be checked for rhabdomyolysis, so blood samples can be analyzed for ck (creatine kinase); a potent indicator of substantial muscle damage


Rhabdomyolysis: First Aid Response


Regular drinking water, or carbohydrate-electrolyte water (sports drinks) should be given to workers experiencing heat cramps.


What should you give a colleague who's experiencing really bad heat cramps?


Check for any unusual spots in your skin, and take note of any changes in size, shape, or color during a period of 1 month to 1 or 2 years.


Similarly, watch out for scaly red spots or waxy nodules growing on your skin (paying extra attention to parts of your skin often exposed to direct sunlight).


A typical symptom of Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, are asymmetrical moles with uneven color distribution and a diameter that is often greater than 6 mm.


Lesson 2: Dangers of Working in the Heat (Part 2)

Sometimes, working in the heat cannot be avoided. In this lesson, we will talk about the different control measures, and best practices for minimizing heat stress at work, as well as the pros and cons of PPEs. 

Control Measures, PPEs, and Best Practices


Knowledge saves lives.
This is why adequate training on heat related illnesses, and what we can do to prevent them, is paramount to keeping workers safe in high temperature settings.


Train workers before sending them out to work in high temperature settings.


Make sure to customize the training to ensure relevancy to the worker's specific worksite conditions.


Employers are responsible for providing relevant training to workers, supervisors, and managers, regarding the following points.


Employers must ensure that adequate hydration is available to all workers:
Potable water must be available, must be <15°C (59°F), and is easily accessible near the work area
Check how much water is needed depending on the number of active workers, and assign someone to regularly check on the water supply and ensure that enough is always available
Individual drinking cups must be provided -- no sharing
Remind workers to stay hydrated


Hydration for Workers


Those working in the heat for less than 2 hours doing only moderate physical work, should drink 1 cup (8 oz.) of water every 15 minutes or so.


For extended work in the heat exceeding two hours at a time, sports drinks with a good balance of electrolytes is ideal -- this helps workers stay at healthy salt levels to stave off cramps, dizziness, and vomiting.


Never drink alcohol while working. You should also avoid  sugary, and highly-caffeinated drinks while working in the heat.


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