Heat Stress 101: Recognizing and Responding to Common Heat-Related Illnesses to Ensure Workplace Safety

Summer is heating up, and this time of year adds extra challenges to daily work routines. Employees who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments are at a much greater risk of heat stress. Hot environments also create challenges like sweaty palms and foreheads, fogged-up safety glasses, dizziness and more that can compromise workplace safety.

Unsurprisingly, construction workers – who often work in non-climate-controlled spaces or direct sunlight – are 13 times more likely to suffer fatalities related to heat-related illness compared to the general population.
What are heat-related illnesses? And how exactly do we train our workforce to recognize and respond to them in time?

The Malevolent Seven: Common Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat-related illnesses stem from unrelieved heat strain which starts with heat stress. Preventing heat stress is the best choice for workplace safety, but sometimes despite our best efforts, prevention is no longer an option and defensive measures are required.

Here are the seven most common heat-related illnesses in order of less severe to most life threatening:

#1 Heat Tetany

Heat tetany involves hyperventilation leading to muscle spasms or “tetany.” Typically occurs after short periods of stress in the heat.

Treatment:

• Move to a cooler environment and rest
• Practice slow, controlled breathing to reduce hyperventilation
• Drink fluids, particularly those with electrolytes
• Stretch and massage the affected muscles gently
• If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention

#2 Heat Edema

Heat edema is swelling in the extremities (usually hands, ankles and feet) due to prolonged exposure to heat, often occurring in people who are not accustomed to hot environments.

Treatment:

• Elevate the swollen limbs to reduce swelling
• Move to a cooler environment
• Increase fluid intake to stay hydrated
• Avoid prolonged standing or sitting in one position
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
• In persistent cases, compression stockings may be required

#3 Heat Syncope (Fainting)

Heat syncope invovles sudden dizziness or lightheadedness caused by prolonged standing or sudden rising from a sitting position in the heat. Can result in fainting or a sudden temporary loss of consciousness. Often stems from dehydration and lack of acclimatization.

Treatment:

• Lie down in a cool place and elevate the legs to improve blood flow to the brain
• Drink water or electrolyte-replenishing fluids
• Avoid sudden changes in position and prolonged standing in hot environments
• Gradually acclimate to hot environments
• Rest and avoid strenuous activities until symptoms improve

#4 Heat Rash (Prickly Heat)

Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating in hot, humid weather. It appears as red clusters of small blisters that can cause discomfort and itching.

Treatment:

• Move to a cooler, less humid environment
• Keep the affected area dry
• Wear loose, lightweight and breathable clothing
• Avoid using heavy creams or ointments that can block sweat glands
• Use talcum powder to reduce irritation
• Soothe itching with topical treatments like calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream

#5 Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps and spasms that occur during or after intense physical activity in the heat. Often caused by dehydration and a lack of electrolytes.

Treatment:

• Move to a cooler place
• Stop all activity and sit quietly
• Sip a sports beverage with electrolytes or water
• Stretch and gently massage the affected muscles
• Avoid salt tablets as they can cause other health problems
• Do not return to strenuous activity for several hours after the cramps subside
• Seek medical attention if the cramps do not go away in an hour, if you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet

#6 Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is caused by excessive loss of water and salt through sweating. Symptoms include heavy sweating, rapid heart rate, weakness or fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headache, shallow breathing, cool skin, irritability or confusion, and a slightly elevated body temperature. Can progress to heat stroke if not treated.

Treatment:

• Move the person to a cooler environment, preferably shaded or air-conditioned
• Have them lie down and elevate their legs slightly
• Loosen or remove excess clothing
• Encourage them to drink cool water or sports drinks containing electrolytes
• Cool the person with cold water, wet cloths, or a cold shower or bath
• Monitor their condition closely
• Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve within 30 minutes

#7 Heat Stroke:

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness that can be fatal or cause permanent organ damage if left untreated. Characterized by high body temperature (104°F or higher); confusion or altered mental state; loss of coordination; hot, dry skin; throbbing headache; rapid, strong pulse; vomiting; seizures or coma. Requires immediate medical attention.

Treatment:

• Call 911 immediately for emergency medical assistance
• Move the person to a cooler environment, preferably shaded or air-conditioned
• Remove excess clothing
• Cool the person rapidly using whatever methods are available, such as:
  • Immersing them in a tub of cool water
  • Placing them in a cool shower
  • Sponging them with cool water
  • Applying ice packs to the armpits, groin, neck, and back
• Fan the person while misting them with cool water
• Continue cooling efforts until emergency medical personnel arrive unless the person is shivering
• Do not give the person fluids to drink if they are not alert or are vomitingWhen in Doubt, Safety First

OSHA recommends the use of a wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) monitor to measure environmental heat in the workplace because it accounts for temperature, humidity, radiant heat and wind.

This table helps determine the suitability of conditions for workplace safety at a glance:

Training is Essential for Workplace Safety

Employees have different thresholds for heat exposure that depend on multiple factors including acclimation, physical fitness and existing medical conditions. Workers must not only be trained to recognize heat-related illnesses but also learn to recognize their own limits. Employees need to understand what heat stress is and how it affects their health and safety. Developing an awareness of and paying attention to their body will help prevent heat stress.

Employee training should also educate managers on what supplies are required on each site including cool liquids and first-aid supplies/equipment like ice packs, iced bed sheets, or a child’s wading pool that can be quickly filled with cool water. Employees should be made aware of designated rest places in cool or shaded areas of the work site.

Educate Today, Live Tomorrow

Preventing heat-related illnesses is your #1 goal! Having all your teammates be able to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses is critical for protecting workers from serious injury or worse, so everyone gets home safe. Learning the signs and symptoms of heat-realted illnesses through workplace safety training will help the whole team work safely and productively in the heat.

Learn how to use training to ensure your own workplace safety by scheduling a meeting to speak with a Tyfoom training consultant today.