Protect Yourself from Heat Stress
Heat Illness: Exposure to heat can cause illness and death. The most serious heat illness is heat stroke. Other heat illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash, should also be avoid-ed. There are precautions that can be taken any time temperatures are high and the job involves physical work.

Risk Factors for Heat Illness

• High temperature and humidity, direct sun exposure, no breeze or wind
• Heavy physical labor
• No recent exposure to hot workplaces
• Low liquid intake
• Waterproof clothing

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

• Headache, dizziness, or fainting
• Weakness and wet skin
• Irritability or confusion
• Thirst, nausea, or vomiting

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

• May be confused, unable to think clearly, pass out, collapse, or have seizures (fits)
• May stop sweating.

How to Protect Yourself

• Block out direct sun and other heat sources.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Drink often and BEFORE you are thirsty. Drink water every 15 minutes.
• Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
• Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes.

What to Do When a Worker is Harmed from the Heat

• Call a supervisor for help. If the supervisor is not available, call 911.
• Have someone stay with the worker until help arrives.
• Move the worker to a cooler/shaded area.
• Remove outer clothing.
• Fan and mist the worker with water; apply ice (ice bags or ice towels).
• Provide cool drinking water, if able to drink.

​IF THE WORKER IS NOT ALERT or seems confused, this may be a heat stroke. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY and apply ice as soon as possible.