Occupational Injuries: Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Fatal Hazard – Hot-weather work can kill
Heat stress occurs in a hot environment when a worker’s body cannot cool
quickly enough. The three major forms of heat stress are heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke?
Heat Exhaustion
Heavy sweating
Heavy thirst
Panting/rapid breathing
Rapid pulse
Headache
Blurred vision
Exhaustion, weakness
Clumsiness
Confusion
Dizziness or fainting
Cramps
Heat Stroke
No sweating
Red or flushed, hot dry skin
Any symptom of heat exhaustion but more severe
Difficult breathing
Pinpoint pupils
Bizarre behavior
Convulsions
Confusion
Collapse
What do you do if someone is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke?
Heat exhaustion
Move the victim to a cool shaded area to rest; do not leave him or her alone
Loosen and remove heavy clothing
Give cool water to drink, about a cup every 15 minutes
Fan the person, spray with cool water, or apply a wet cloth to his or her skin
Call 911 if he or she does not feel better in a few minutes
Remove from hot environment work that day
Heat Stroke
Get medical help immediately, call 911
Move the victim to a cool shaded area; do not leave him or her alone
Lay the person down
Loosen and remove heavy clothing
Fan the person, spray with cool water, or wipe with a wet cloth or cover with a wet sheet
Place icepacks under the armpits and in the groin area
How do you protect yourself from excessive heat stress?
Learn the signs and symptoms of heat stress.
Drink plenty of water or electrolyte drinks, even when not thirsty.
Try to do the heaviest work during the cooler parts of the day.
Adapt the pace of work to the heat – take more breaks, go slower when possible.
Build up a tolerance to the heat and your work slowly.
Wear light-weight, loose-fitting, light-colored, breathable (e.g. cotton) clothing and hat.
Take regular breaks in the shade.
Avoid alcohol or drinks with caffeine before or during work.
Keep an eye on co-workers for symptoms of heat stress.
If you start feeling ill, stop what you are doing immediately and take steps to cool down. Tell your supervisor.
Work Accident Topics
Work Accident Case Evaluation
Work Accident Videos
Work Accident Links
- Work Accident - Bureau of Labor Statistics Case and demographic characteristics for work-related injuries and illnesses involving days away from work compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor.
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