We work in extreme conditions sometimes, and the weather is no exclusion. Summer brings a variety of hazards: intense sun contact, extreme heats, humid atmospheres, etc. We want to take a minute to cover two main illnesses related to heat:
- Heat Stroke
- The overheating of the brain/body. Heat stroke normally occurs when exposed to direct sunlight for moderate to long periods of time. Heat stroke symptoms may last several days and can lead to organ failure if not addressed.
- Symptoms include:
- Confusion, slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
- Red, hot, dry skin
- Chills
- Extremely high core body temperature (i.e. 104°F)
- Seizures
- Treatment for heat stroke usually involves calling 9-1-1 due to the sneaking possibility of organ failure. The main goal is to lower the core body temperature ASAP. Ice or cold-water bath, remove outer clothes, cold towels, etc.
- Heat Exhaustion
- Severe dehydration due to heat. Occurs when working in a moderate to extremely hot environment without staying hydrated. Symptoms may last several hours but can mostly be self-treated.
- Symptoms include:
- Cool, moist skin
- Profuse sweating
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Brown-like urine
- Muscle cramping
- Treatment for heat exhaustion is normally self-treating. Remove unnecessary clothing (shoes, socks, etc.), place worker in shade/air-conditioned area, give water with hydration pack if possible, cool worker with cold compresses or similar.
This Summer, Berg Group has already had a few cases of heat exhaustion and stroke, we need to take these illnesses seriously. Keep hydrated, drink water every 10-15 minutes, rest in shade or air-conditioned areas, look out for one another! Finally, OSHA has an amazing App on the phone called HEAT INDEX (see App image), everyone needs to download it! This App will determine the working temperature outside and provide guidelines on how to keep yourself protected. It also provides symptoms and first aid for any heat-related illnesses.
Summer is fun, but work is busy and hazardous. Please keep hydrated and rest when needed. Look out for one another, we’re all on the Berg team so let’s keep in the ball game!