The U.S. National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Heat Index:

Who is more susceptible to Heat Stress?

Infants, children up to 4 years of age, people 65 and older, overweight individuals, or those with existing medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.

WHAT CAN TECHNICHE DO?

Techniche is committed to reducing the risk of heat stress in the workplace. Our wearable cooling products are designed to target key areas of the body in order to cool the wearer and reduce the risks of working at high temperature.

If all attempts fail at preventing Heat related illnesses, here is a list of the most common signs and symptoms and what to do if a worker becomes a victim:

Heat stroke: Occurs when the body becomes unable to regulate its core temperature. Sweating mechanism fails and the body can no longer dispel excess heat. Heat stroke may result in permanent disability or death if not treated immediately. Heatstroke is fatal in 80% of cases.

Common Signs and Symptoms include: Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, Seizures, hot dry skin.

What to do:

• Call 911 for emergency care (Stay with victim until care arrives).
• Move victim to a shaded or cool area
• Remove outer clothing or soak clothing in cool water
• Place cold clothes on head, neck, armpits and groin area
• Circulate the air around the victim
• Do Not give the victim fluids
• If the victim is unconscious, lay them on their side and clear their airway

Heat cramps: Painful muscle spasms that occur when the body is depleted of salt and moisture.

Common Signs and Symptoms include: Muscle cramps, pain, or spasms. (Most commonly in the abdomen arms or legs.) These can occur during or after work.

What to do:

• Stop activity immediately
• Move victim to a cool place
• Victim should drink water and a snack (Preferably a carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement liquid) every 15 to 20 minutes.
• Rest several hours before returning to activity
• Medical attention is needed if the victim has heart problems or is on a low sodium diet, or if cramps continue after 1 hour.

Heat Syncope/Fainting: an episode of dizziness usually occurring with a prolonged standing or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position. Most common in those that are not used to working in warm conditions.

Common Signs and Symptoms include: Brief loss of consciousness, dizziness, light-headedness, sweaty skin with normal body temperature, and no signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion

What to do:

• Sit or lie victim down in a cool place
• If completely conscious, victim should slowly drink water, clear juice or an electrolyte drink (Sport drink)
• Medical attention may be necessary if symptoms persist after lying down

Heat exhaustion: Occurs when the body loses too much water and salt, usually due to excessive sweating and not consuming enough fluids. (Most commonly occurs in high temperatures with high humidity and strenuous activities).

Common Signs and Symptoms include: Excessive sweat, weakness or fatigue, pale clammy skin (Sometimes flushed), headache, nausea, dizziness, irritability, thirst, elevated body temperature.

What to do:

• Move victim to a cooler environment
• If fully conscious, have victim drink an electrolyte solution (sport drink) and avoid caffeine
• Cool the victim with cool water or cold compress.
• Circulate air around victim
• Seek medical attention if vomiting or fainting occurs, or if symptoms persist for more than 30 minutes

References:

• “CDC - Heat Stress - Heat Related Illness - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 June 2018, www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html.

• Department of Health & Human Services. “Heat Stress and Heat-Related Illness.” Better Health Channel, Department of Health & Human Services, 26 Nov. 2015, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/heat-stress-and-heat-related-illness.

• Flouris, Andreas D, et al. “Workers’ Health and Productivity under Occupational Heat Strain: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” The Lancet Planetary Health, Elsevier, 4 Dec. 2018, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2542519618302377.

• “Heat Stress Facts.” Princeton University, The Trustees of Princeton University, ehs.princeton.edu/workplace-construction/occupational-health/heat-cold-stress/heat-stress-facts.

• “Heat Stress.” NASD, nasdonline.org/137/d001702/heat-stress.html.

• “Understanding the Dangers of Heat Stress.” Safety+Health Magazine, Safety+Health Magazine, 25 June 2017, www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/15818-understanding-the-dangers-of-heat-stress.

• “UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/.

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