Hot and dry/humid weather conditions can have dangerous health effects on workers who are unprepared. Exposure to high temperatures for long periods of time can increase the chance of illnesses such as sunburn, heat exhaustion, heat stroke or heat cramps. These illnesses can range from mild to severe and sometimes can result in death. Knowing what to do to prepare for and prevent these heat-related illnesses is better than having to treat them.

Normal body temperature is 37°C and heat stress sets in where the body temperature rapidly rises beyond this to 41°C. This is a life threatening condition, requiring prompt and competent treatment.

Who is susceptible to heat related illness?

New employees – it can take up to 2 months for people to acclimatize to heat and the specific work environment.
Older persons can be less resilient and often succumb to excessive heat exposure.
Any person who is exposed to excessive temperatures for an extended period of time.
Persons who are under the influence of alcohol or suffering the consequences of alcohol intake.
Foreigners – persons who are not used to the natural climate of the area.
Any person who is feeling ill or whose body is weakened due to illness.

Recognizing the symptoms of heat disorders:

 Extreme fatigue
General weariness
Muscular weakness
 Muscle cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Mental disturbance/argumentative
Failure to sweat – serious!

Treating the symptoms of heat disorders:

If a person displays one or more of the above symptoms then you should immediately notify your clinic or doctor, requesting assistance.

Move the individual to a cool well ventilated area.
Attempt to reduce the core temperature of the body to below 39°C.
Spray the person with tepid water – to simulate sweating.
 Increase air movement around the body.
When stable remove the individual to a clinic or doctor for treatment.

The most effective way of reducing core temperature is NOT to immerse the person with ice-cold water, but rather as described above. This could lead to shock as the body further increases its temperature to counter the cold water. The aim should be to stimulate sweating and natural cooling of the body. Get the exposed individual to medical care as soon as possible – Heat Stress kills.

Working in hot weather doesn’t have to be a killer if you’re prepared for it. Dress appropriately, remember to drink often during the day, take needed rest breaks in cool shaded areas, and recognize the signs of over-heating.

Evaporating cooling ties are designed for everyone under the sun, reducing the risk of dehydration by simply using a gel cooling system that is built into the neck or head band. Can you afford not to have at least one in your first aid kit?