It is so important to avoid Heat Illness in these hot summer months. When it is hot outside, your body temperature can rise to dangerous levels. Normally, your body cools itself through sweating. However, in hot and humid weather, sweating is not enough and the result can be a heat illness. Check out our flyer on Heat-Related Illnesses.

Staying Cool and avoid Heat Illness

Follow the suggestions below to stay cool when working in hot weather:

• Wear loose, light-colored clothing and some type of hat.
• Adapt to working in hot conditions gradually, especially if performing strenuous tasks.
• Take breaks in the shade when possible, and remove any outer protective gear you may be wearing.
• Avoid overexerting yourself during peak temperature periods (midday).
• Drink liquids frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty – at least eight ounces every 20 to 30 minutes. Choose water, fruit juice, or sports drinks and stay away from liquids containing caffeine, which can dehydrate you.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Heat Illness

There are 3 forms of heat illness, each with its own distinct symptoms:

• Heat Cramps – Severe muscle spasms in the back, stomach, arms and legs, which are attributed to the loss of body salt and water during periods of heavy perspiration.
• Heat Exhaustion – Heavy sweating, cool or pale skin, nausea, headache, weakness, vomiting & fast pulse.
• Heat Stroke – high body temperature, sweating stops, red and often dry skin, rapid breathing and pulse, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, confusion or unconsciousness

Providing Treatment for Heat Illness

I t is essential to treat heat illness as soon as possible. If you are feeling any of the above symptoms, inform a co-worker and ask for help. If you suspect that a fellow worker has any of these conditions, follow the first-aid suggestions below:

• Heat Cramps – Move the victim to a cooler area and provide them with water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages. Follow up with a medical examination.
• Heat Exhaustion – Move the victim to a cooler area and keep them lying down with their legs slightly elevated. Cool their body by fanning and applying cool, wet towels. Have them drink approximately six ounces of water every 15 minutes. Follow up with a medical examination.
• Heat Stroke – Heat Stroke – You or a bystander should immediately call an ambulance. Meanwhile, move the victim to a cooler area, remove their outer clothing, immerse them in cool water or apply. Heat illness can be a serious threat. Your best defense is to learn how to stay cool when the weather heats up. Cool, wet towels or cloths to the body. If the person is awake and able to swallow, give them small amounts of cool water to drink. If medical help is delayed, call the hospital for further instructions while waiting. Heatstroke is life-threatening, so it’s important to move quickly!

Safety Reminder to help you avoid heat illness

The risk of heat illness increases with age, poor diet, being overweight, insufficient liquid intake, poor physical condition, and/or when taking medication. Never take salt tablets without your doctor’s approval. Be aware of weather conditions when you will be working outside so that you can be prepared with appropriate clothing and beverages. If you are working outside and start to feel any adverse symptoms, inform your supervisor and take a break.

IWA is here to help in Avoiding Heat Illness

We want to help you prevent Heat Illness. At Irving Weber Associates, Inc, we offer insurance and risk management solutions that help to protect and preserve what you value most. Whether it’s your business, your employees, your home, or your lifestyle, we work to find the
right insurance solution to fit your needs. With a team that is as connected locally as it is nationally, we provide
the personalized, dedicated service you want from a local agency while delivering the peace of mind that you expect from a top brokerage. Find your solution at iwains.com.