During the summer months, heat-related injuries become a great concern in our industries. Below are some signs and symptoms of typical heat-related injuries for your reference. Help keep yourself and others safe, by arming yourself with the knowledge of what a heat illness looks like and how symptoms may present themselves. All heat illness signs should be taken seriously as they can be damaging and life-threatening!

Heat Stroke

High body temperature (104 F or higher), altered mental state or behavior, alteration in sweating, nausea and vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing, racing heart rate, headache.

Heat Exhaustion

Confusion, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, headache, muscle or abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, dark-colored urine.

Dehydration

Increased thirst, dry mouth and swollen tongue, weakness, dizziness, palpitations (feeling of heart jumping or pounding), confusion, sluggishness, fainting, fainting.

As you can see, a lot of the symptoms overlap, so if you or anybody around you is experiencing these symptoms, immediately move them to a cool area and provide them with plenty of water and call 911 immediately if experiencing multiple symptoms simultaneously.

Precautions to take in order to prevent heat-related injuries

· Drink plenty of water (approx. 1 cup every 15-20 min.)

· Avoid alcohol, carbonated beverages and large amounts of caffeine

· Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing

· Take frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas

· Schedule heavy work for the coolest parts of the day

· Monitor your physical condition frequently, as well as those of others around you

If you have any questions about this topic, or any other safety concern, please feel free to   contact us and we’ll be happy to help any way we can! (253) 722-5870.