Hot and Hazardous: Heat Illness Can be Deadly
A rise in body temperature of as little as 2 degrees can negatively impact brain function, making heat an underlying cause of job accidents. As workers overheat, their diminished brain function can cause them to overlook hazards and make mistakes. A 5 degrees rise in body temperature can be fatal.
Signs of Trouble
The hotter it gets, the more stress on the body. The first signs of trouble include symptoms like:
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Fatigue
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Thirst
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Discomfort
- Lightheadedness
Help prevent the ill effects of heat stress by:
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Drinking water frequently and moderately (every 15-20 minutes, at least 8 ounces) — due to the fact that most of us already consume excessive salt in our diets, salt tablets are NOT recommended for general use;
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Resting frequently;
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Eating lightly;
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Doing more strenuous jobs during the cooler morning hours;
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Utilizing the ventilation or fans in enclosed area;
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Avoiding alcohol consumption — many cases of heat stroke have occurred the day after a “night on the town;” and
- Wearing light colored and cotton clothes.
Your good health is your greatest wealth!!
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