Requirements of OSHA heat stress and sun protection

If the company requires that employees spend long periods working at temperatures of 75 degrees or more, the work under the strong sunlight or do work that is physically exhausting and causes profuse sweating, may be vulnerable to heat stress or other heat related health problems. Some people are particularly prone to illnesses and injuries, even under normal working conditions, let alone those involving excessive heat. These include pregnant women, elderly or anyone with immuno-deficient diseases.

Involve your employees each year, or even semi-annual reviews OSHA approved formation of heat stress can significantly reduce the incidence of accidents and injuries in the workplace. It should also be mandatory for all new staff members to take the stress of heat build-up during their orientation before starting work.

The problems related to heat and sun exposure are simple minor ailments such as headaches, fatigue and rash serious injuries such as severe burns, heat stroke or fatal skin cancer. When accidents occur, it is essential to identify and treat the symptoms effectively and immediately. Employees must understand that the knowledge they gain from their formation heat stress must be taken very seriously. The ability to prevent injury, and treatment of injuries that occur, may be life saving.

What are the causes of heat stress?

Prolonged exposure to strong sunlight or high temperatures can lead to increased body temperature. Sweating causes extreme loss of fluid in a body and can lead to dehydration and the lack of electrolytes necessary.

What are the symptoms of heat stroke?

Heat stroke has many symptoms that can affect individually or in combination. The most common of these symptoms are skin redness or rash, chafing, feeling too warm, fatigue, thirst strong, headaches ranging from mild to severe, burning and dizziness. Left untreated, heat stroke symptoms can turn into wet skin, clears the skin, muscle spasms, cramps, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, increased body temperature, burning or blistering of the skin, confusion, fainting, increased heart rate and a decrease in blood pressure. In extreme cases, can even lead to coma or death.

Symptoms of heat stroke can lead to other, technically independent lesions, such as stumbling, falling or bumping into things, each of which may lead to further injury, such as damage to or loss of limbs or even death, when heavy power tools or machines are involved.

Make sure to discuss the formation heat stress with the staff, every time that pass through it. Find out what their specific concerns regarding the health and safety when it comes to excessive heat and sun exposure.

What first aid or other treatment should be done?

When the first signs of heat stress are present, the most obvious tactics are usually the best. First, take the patient to a cooler location, shady and have them sit or lie down. Apply a cold pack or cloth to pulse points for reducing body temperature immediately. Use a spray mister filled with cold water to further reduce temperatures and to facilitate rehydration. Give the victim something to drink that contains electrolytes to help replace what was lost through sweating. Undo all tight clothing and remove all unnecessary to allow the victim to breathe more easily and the body to relax. Use a fan or create some form of a breeze to assist in the cooling process.

If symptoms are severe, the patient may need to seek medical care with the health of society
department and to rest. In extreme cases, the patient may seek medical care.

If the heat stroke occurs, it may become essential to the position of the injured part in a tank of cold water in order to quickly reduce the body temperature. A call must be immediately placed in a 911 or the company-specific emergency number and the victim was taken to a hospital immediately.

How can heat stress and related injuries be prevented?

While the formation of heat stress is a key part of a safe working environment, employers must also talk to their employees and help them take steps to avoid heat stress and related injuries. Be proactive in preventing this disease and injury for happier, healthier workforce.

Some steps in this approach are to ensure that all staff:

Take a break or on a regularly scheduled basis

Rest or from time to time in a cool, shaded, preferably with access to a ventilator

o Apply plenty of sunscreen with UVA and UVB

Wear light or pale colors (even taking into account any necessary protective equipment for their specific work)

o Cover your head and wearing sunglasses to protect their head, face and eyes from the sun

and drink plenty of fluids, especially water or drinks containing electrolytes

Employers must also make sure that there is adequate first aid kit readily available at all times. The kit should include the salt, salt pills or liquid electrolytes. A mobile phone or other method of instant communication should be accessible to staff in case of emergency services should be contacted in case of serious injury or illness .......