Heat Disorders and Health Effects
Temperature (Heat)
Temperature
Construction workers generally work outside and are exposed to heat and the sun. Too much heat or cold, especially if combined with high humidity or high winds, can harm your health and interfere with work. Hot, humid conditions can cause heat exhaustion, cramps, and even fainting. Employers have a responsibility to protect workers from extreme temperatures.
Heat
At times, workers may be required to work in hot environments for long periods. When the human body’s unable to maintain a normal temperature, heat-related illnesses can occur and may result in death.
Heat Disorders and Health Effects
Heat Cramps / Painful, brief muscle spasms caused by performing hard physical labor in a hot environment.Cramps have been attributed to an electrolyte imbalance caused by sweating.
Cramps can be caused by both too much and too little salt.
Cramps appear to be caused by the lack of water replenishment. / Thirst cannot be relied on as a guide to the need for water; instead, water must be taken every 15 to 20 minutes in hot environments.
Drinking commercially available carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement liquids is effective in minimizing physiological disturbances during recovery.
Heat Exhaustion / Signs and symptoms; headache, nausea, vertigo, weakness, thirst, and giddiness.
Fainting can be dangerous because the victim may be operating machinery or controlling an operation that should not be left unattended. / Workers suffering from heat exhaustion should be removed from the hot environment and given fluid replacement.
Stop physical activity and get adequate rest.
Heat Stroke / Body’s system of temperature regulation fails and body temperature rises to critical levels.
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke are confusion; irrational behavior; loss of consciousness; convulsions; a lack of sweating (usually); hot, dry skin; and an abnormally high body temperature / Professional medical treatment should be obtained immediately.
Worker should be placed in a shady area and the outer clothing should be removed.
Skin should be wetted and air movement around the worker should be increased to improve evaporative cooling.
Fluids should be replaced as soon as possible.
No employee suspected of being ill from heat stroke should be sent home or left unattended.
Temperature (Heat)
Contractor Responsibilities towards Heat
OSHA does not have a specific regulation regarding heat stress. However, feasible and acceptable methods can be used to reduce heat stress hazards in workplaces. These include, but are not limited to:
- Monitor weather conditions (NOAA’s Heat Index) and adhere to precautions and warnings.
- Permitting workers to drink water at liberty.
- Establishing provisions for a work/rest regimen so that exposure time to high temperatures and/or the work rate is decreased.
- Developing a program that provides for training on the effects of heat stress, and how to recognize heat-related illness symptoms and prevent heat-induced illnesses.
Temperature (Heat)
Sun
Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer. There are no safe UV rays or safe suntans. Be especially careful in the sun if you burn easily, spend a lot of time outdoors, or have any of the following physical features: numerous, irregular, or large moles; freckles; fair skin; or blond, red, or light brown hair. Here’s how to block those harmful rays:
Cover up. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Be sure to follow application directions on the bottle or tube.
Wear a wide brim hard hat, this works best because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.
Wear UV-absorbent sunglasses (eye protection).
Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Before you buy sunglasses, read the product tag or label.
Limit exposure. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Safe Work Practices (Heat)
The combination of heat and humidity can be a serious health threat during the summer months. If you work outside you may be at increased risk for heat related illness. So, take precautions. Here’s how:
Drink small amounts of water frequently.
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing—cotton is good.
Take frequent short breaks in cool shade.
Eat smaller meals before work activity.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
Work in the shade.
Find out from your health care provider if your medications and heat don’t mix.
Know that equipment such as respirators or work suits can increase heat stress.