Week 3 of National Safety Month is dedicated to Heat Illness Prevention. Heat Illness is a serious medical condition resulting from the body’s inability to cope with a heat load. Each year, dozens of workers die, and thousands become ill while working in hot or humid conditions.
There are ways to protect workers from heat-related illnesses. Some simple ways to stay safe in hot weather conditions include:
- Drinking cool water; at least 1 cup every 20 minutes
- Take rest breaks to recover from the heat
- Find a shaded, cool area
- Dress for hot weather
- Watch out for others by monitoring them for signs of heat illness
- Become acclimated to the heat
If there is a heat-related emergency, call 911 immediately, cool the worker down right away with water or ice packs, and stay with the worker until help arrives.
Heat-related illnesses can be deadly. It is important for everyone to understand how to prevent heat illness. Remember to drink water, take breaks, and stay safe when working in the heat.