Employee Training: Heat-Related Illness - Hurt€¦ · information on measures to prevent heat-related illness. Kiewit Building Group Newsletter 6/10/14 Volume 2 Week 24 Summer is

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Employee Training:

Heat-Related Illness

Protect yourself and your co-workers by sharing this

information on measures to prevent heat-related illness.

Kiewit Building Group Newsletter 6/10/14 Volume 2 Week 24

Summer is here and along with long daylight hours

comes high heat and humidity; we have already had

several heat-related close calls; the Incident Alert on the

next page is a vivid example. This Newsletter is

dedicated to providing valuable training information that

each of us should read and understand so that we do not

suffer a serious or life threatening illness! Everyone is

vulnerable so read and heed the lessons. Be smart, be

prepared!

TL White

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Definition

• Heat Illness:

A serious medical condition

resulting from the body's

inability to cope with a particular

heat load

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• Types and symptoms of heat-related illness

• Contributing factors

• Treatment of heat related illness

• Prevention

Training Topics:

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4 Types of Heat Illnesses

• Heat rash – often under clothing

• Heat cramps – in arms or legs with physical labor

• Heat exhaustion – more serious effect

• Heat stroke – can be fatal

Symptoms of heat related illness:

1. Heat Rash

• Red blister like eruptions

• Itchy sensations

2. Heat Cramps

• Painful spasms

• Abnormal body pain

3. Heat Exhaustion

• Pale to light skin

• Headache

• Diarrhea

4. Heat Stroke

• High Fever > 40° C

• Confusion

• Agitation

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Heat Stroke or Heat Exhaustion?

Confusion is common in severe heat illness

You can ask these 3 questions:

1. "What is your name?"

2. "What day is this?"

3. "Where are we?“

If a person can’t answer these questions,

assume it is heat stroke.

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Environmental Factors

• Temperature

• Humidity

• Direct Sun

• Low Wind

• Surface

Material

Heat Index

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Site Multipliers

• Equipment

• Reflective Heat

• Water Surface

• Materials

Personal Attributes

• Diet

• Sick

• Cigarettes

• Injured

• Clothing

• Medication

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Treatment

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are

serious illnesses and need to be

treated.

1. Provide first aid

2. Notify emergency services 911

3. Move person to cool location

4. Cool person down immediately

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Preventing Heat Illness – Work Smart

• Hydrate

• Sunscreen

• Protective Clothing

• Breaks

• Observation

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Prevention:

DO

Drink plenty of water (about a cup every 15 minutes)

Start work well hydrated

Avoid

Drink soda

Drink lots of coffee and tea

Drink alcohol

Wait for thirst before drinking water