How to Stay Safe in the Heat
Many of us look forward to summer as a time to relax by the pool or visit the beach. At MetroPower, summer also means increasing our safety precautions to ensure no one is hurt by high temperatures and humidity.
According to OSHA, thousands of workers every year become ill while working in extreme heat or humid conditions. There are a range of illnesses that can be brought on by heat, and they can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition.
The good news: heat-related illnesses are 100% preventable. Remember these three steps to help you, and those around you, stay safe in the summer heat:
- WATER. Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you’re not thirsty.
- REST. Take breaks in a cool place.
- SHADE. If working outside, rest in the shade.
Take action immediately if someone exhibits signs of a heat-related illness. Notify a supervisor, move the person to a cooler place, provide water and apply cool, wet towels.
Whether you’re on the job or spending time with family and friends, it is important to recognize and treat common heat-related illnesses:
Heat cramps – muscular pains and spasms, usually in the legs or abdomen, caused by high heat, humidity, loss of fluids and electrolytes. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat.
Heat exhaustion – typically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical labor in high heat and humidity. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and exhaustion.
Heat stroke (also known as sun stroke) – a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself. Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin, changes in consciousness, vomiting and high body temperature. Heat stroke is life-threatening and 911 should be called immediately.
As always, we encourage everyone at MetroPower to abide by the Golden Rule and keep an eye on each other. Together, we can make sure everyone has a safe summer.
