Know the Symptoms
It is important for anyone working in construction to know the signs of heat-related illnesses. When you are exposed to extreme heat, it will cause your body temperature to rise dramatically making it difficult for your body to cool itself down. When you combine this with any strenuous labor, it can be a recipe for disaster if you are not careful. Some signs to look out for include headaches, faintness, mental confusion, fever, excessive sweating, dizziness, low blood pressure, and nausea.
What should I do if I work in extreme heat?
If you must work in hot temperatures, you should always be conscious of yourself and others around you. Wear proper attire (hats, lightweight clothing, light colors) and hydrate accordingly. If you or a coworker begins to show symptoms of a heat-related illness, go to a shady spot, sit down, drink water, and continue to monitor symptoms. If symptoms do not improve after several minutes, seek medical attention.
Blog Contributor: Brad Spradlin, CHST, Director of Risk Management
