As temperatures rise during the summer, heat illness becomes a serious concern. It's crucial to recognize and understand the warning signs of heat illness and to take preventive measures, particularly for those who work in hot facilities or outdoors. Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke is vital to identifying the severity of the situation and providing the appropriate care.
Heat exhaustion is a type of heat illness that occurs due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and dehydration. It is often a precursor to heat stroke, which is a more severe form of heat illness. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and muscle cramps. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.
Heat stroke is a severe and potentially life-threatening form of heat illness that occurs when the body's temperature regulation system fails and the core body temperature rises to dangerous levels. Symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature, hot and dry skin, confusion, seizures, and even coma. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment, such as cooling the body with cold water or ice packs and seeking medical attention. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately.
To avoid heat illness, it's important to:- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or electrolyte-rich fluids.
- Take breaks in cool, well-ventilated or shaded areas.
- Wear appropriate, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing in hot environments.
- Avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.
Need help Recognizing the symptoms of Heat illness?
To help protect your team from heat illness, utilize A&M Industrial's Heat Illness Prevention Posters, which are available in both English and Spanish. These informative posters provide valuable information on how to identify the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as well as the appropriate response to take. By downloading and displaying these printable, letter-sized posters at your facility or job site, you can protect your team, raise awareness, and promote a safe and healthy work environment. For additional assistance and recommendations, contact the A&M Industrial Safety Team.
Prefer to download a poster in Spanish? Click here.
