The Heat Is On

WRITTEN BY GARY SMITH, APARTMENT BUILDING MANAGEMENT WORKERS COMPENSATION SELF INSURED FUND

Property management employees often find themselves working in extremely hot environments during the summer months. These locations include attics, rooftops, inside drained pools, on parking lots, etc. Employees who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments for long periods of time may be at risk of heat stress. Exposure to extreme heat can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries to employees by causing falls due to heat related dizziness or loss of grip from sweaty palms and from removing their personal protective equipment due to the heat. Workers at greatest risk of heat stress include those over 65 years of age, overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure and on medication that may be affected by extreme heat.

Some types of heat stress include:
Heat Stroke – which is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. Symptoms include: hot, dry skin or profuse sweating; hallucinations; chills; throbbing headache; high body temperature; confusion or dizziness and slurred speech.

Heat Exhaustion – is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Symptoms include: heavy sweating; extreme weakness or fatigue; dizziness; confusion; nausea; clammy, moist skin; pale or flushed complexion; muscle cramps; slightly elevated body temperature and fast and shallow breathing.

Heat Cramps – usually affect workers who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles causes painful cramps. Symptoms include muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen, arms or legs.

Prevention
Workers should try to avoid exposure to extreme heat, sun exposure and high humidity when possible. When these exposures cannot be avoided, workers should take the following steps to prevent heat stress:
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing. If you wear a hat, wear a visor instead as our body releases a lot of heat through the top of our head.
• Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of the day and gradually build up to heavy work.
• Take more breaks during extreme heat and humidity.
• Drink water frequently including 16 ounces of water before work and 8 ounces every 20 minutes during strenuous work in the heat. A good rule of thumb is to drink before you become thirsty and avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol and large amounts of sugar. Also, don’t be tempted to drink very cold drinks as they may cause stomach cramps. Some studies have shown people will drink more flavored water versus plain water and thus stay more hydrated however be sure to avoid high sugar content drinks.
• Be aware that personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress so additional breaks may be needed however do not work without the necessary PPE.
• Watch co-workers and yourself for signs of heat stress.

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