-
It’s critical to understand what raises heat risks when on the jobsite.
Heat illness is a serious workplace hazard. Anyone who works in a hot environment can be affected, but some workers are at greater risk than others. Understanding what raises your risk is the first step to staying safe.
Personal Risk Factors
Certain health, lifestyle, and physical factors can make it harder for your body to handle heat. Talk to your healthcare provider if any of these apply to you.
- Having chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease
- Being overweight or having a low level of physical fitness
- Taking certain medications, including some used to treat blood pressure, allergies, or mental health conditions. Some medications can reduce your ability to sweat or sense heat
- Consuming large amounts of caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration
- Drinking alcohol within 24 hours of working in a hot environment
- Being 60 or older
- Being pregnant
- Having had heat illness in the past, which raises your risk of getting it again
- Not being acclimatized to the heat, meaning you are new to the job, returning after time away, or working in suddenly hotter conditions.
-
Environmental Risk Factors
Your surroundings play a major role in your risk of heat illness. The following factors can increase the risk of heat illness in the workplace.
- High air temperatures, especially when combined with high humidity
- Direct sun exposure and working on or near hot surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, or metal.
- Lack of airflow or a breeze
- Working near equipment, machinery, or engines that generate heat
- Physically demanding tasks that raise your body temperature
- Long shifts or not taking long enough rest breaks to let your body recover.
-
Steps to Protect Yourself
Knowing the risk factors associated with heat illness can help you take proactive steps to protect yourself. Consider the following tips.
- Follow all workplace rules regarding heat safety.
- Drink water regularly throughout your shift, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Take regular rest breaks.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing when possible.
- Tell your supervisor if you don’t feel well and move to a cool area right away.
- Watch out for coworkers who may be showing signs of heat illness such as confusion, loss of concentration, heavy sweating, or dizziness.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about personal conditions or medications that could affect your ability to work safely in the heat.
Seek Medical Attention
Heat illness can quickly become life-threatening. If you or a coworker experiences the symptoms of a heat illness, seek help immediately! Report symptoms to your supervisor immediately! If you are in doubt, call 911 for medical assistance.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice. These guidelines do not supersede local, state, or federal regulations. For further information, please consult a qualified professional.
Sponsored by:
Provided by:
