Know The Signs Of Heat Related Illness
Today is officially the first day of summer and although we’ve had lower than normal temperatures here in the Brandenburg, Kentucky area, things are bound to heat up eventually. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to tackle some outdoor landscaping, gardening, or you’re in the landscape business, working in extreme heat can become a dangerous situation if the proper precautions aren’t taken. Understanding heat related illness and recognizing the signs and symptoms of it can be lifesaving information.
When it comes to working outdoors in the heat the most important thing to make sure of is that you and your crew have access to plenty of water and a cool area to take breaks. If you or your crew must be outside during the hottest part of the day, make sure to take breaks and rehydrate in the shade, indoors, or in an air-conditioned vehicle. Sun protection is also important and anyone spending an extended amount of time in the sun and heat should consider wearing sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and even a lightweight long sleeve shirt for full sun protection.
Taking preventative measures to protect yourself (or your crews) also means becoming familiar with the signs of heat-related illnesses. These can come on fast and potentially become life-threatening so it’s important that you know what to look for.
According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a division of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Heat Stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and occurs when the body loses its ability to control temperature. When this occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees or higher within a mere 10 minutes. This can lead to death if emergency treatment is not provided. Symptoms of heat stroke include the following.
Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
Loss of consciousness
Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
Seizures
Very high body temperature
If you suspect heat stroke, call 911 and move the individual to a shaded area. Remove outer clothing and wet the skin with cool water. Circulate the air or fan around the person to speed cooling.
Heat Exhaustion is another serious heat-related condition that needs to be addressed rapidly. According to NIOSH, heat exhaustion is the body’s response to excessive loss of water and salt through excessive sweating.
Signs of heat exhaustion include the following.
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Weakness
Irritability
Thirst
Heavy sweating
Elevated body temperature
Decreased urine output
If heat exhaustion is expected move the person into the shade immediately and take frequent sips of cool water. Remove unnecessary clothing and apply cool compresses. If necessary, seek medical attention.
Heat Cramps are another heat-related condition and occur from excessive sweating while working. According to NIOSH, sweating can deplete the body’s salt and moisture levels and lead to painful muscle cramps. Muscle cramps can also be an additional symptom of Heat Exhaustion as listed above.
If you (or an employee) are experiencing muscle cramps, pain, or spasms while working in the heat, take a break to drink water and have a snack and/or a carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement liquid. Repeat this every 15 to 20 minutes. If cramps do not subside within one hour, seek medical attention.
At Lancaster Lawn & Landscaping, LLC we want you and our crews to stay safe. We love supporting our customers’ outdoor landscaping needs, but our number one concern is the safety of our employees and our customers. Working outdoors and transforming lawns and landscapes is incredibly rewarding but it’s important that the work doesn’t put your overall health at risk. By taking preventative measures and remaining vigilant in paying attention to signs and symptoms you can prevent heat-related illness.