Beat the Heat with Scott Asprey RIBA Safety Educator
Heat related injuries need to be watched and addressed quickly. There are five primary illnesses: heat rash, heat cramps, Heat Syncope, Heat Exhaustion and Heat stroke as defined by OSHA.
Please review the following descriptions of each.
- Heat rash can be identified by red clusters or small pimples that develop; this usually is in a heat range of 85 to 90 degrees and fatigue is possible at this point
- Heat Cramps can occur in temps from 90 to 95 degrees resulting in extreme painful muscle spasms
- Heat Syncope can occur around 95 to 100 degrees with warning signs of signs of fainting, or lightheadedness, fast, or weak pulse, and skin may be cool and moist.
- Heat Exhaustion occurs during temperatures of 90 to 105 degrees; some warning signs include pale clammy skin, profuse perspiration, weakness, nausea, and headaches.
In almost all these examples of heat injuries, first aid must be administered immediately…
First Aid for heat
Slowly drink cool water
Heat rash let skin dry
Seek Medical attention
Heat Stroke can happen at, or over, 105 degrees and it should be considered an immediate, life-threatening emergency. Should you, or one of your employees, experience it, administer aid by:
- Calling Ambulance
- Get victim out of heat
- Loosen clothing
- Remove wet clothing
- Apply cool wet cloths to skin and if available apply cold packs under armpits and groin
- Fan victim, and if conscious, give cool water
- Monitor victim for changes and shock until EMTs arrive
- Monitor victim for changes and shock until EMTs arrive
This tip column appears the third Thursday of each month. We hope it offers some specific tips to help you and your employees stay safe.
