The Occupational Health Blog

Workers and Heat Related Illnesses

• NMS
• Jun 24, 2021

With summer’s arrival, we can anticipate sunny days and soaring temperatures over the next few months. Although there is not a regulated maximum temperature for workplaces, OSHA’s General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health ACT of 1970 states that employers are required to provide a place of employment that “is free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious harm to employees.” This includes heat related hazards. Employers and their workers should be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat related illness. Any unusual symptom can be a sign of overheating.

Heat Rash

Heat rash is a mild form of heat related illness. It is an irritation of the skin, which develops during hot, humid weather due to profuse sweating.

Signs and symptoms: Red bumps on skin, itching or prickly feeling

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are involuntary muscle contractions or spasms. These cramps are caused by an excessive loss of fluid and electrolytes due to heavy sweating. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

Signs and symptoms: Muscle spasm, pain

Heat Syncope

Heat syncope is an episode of light-headedness, dizziness or fainting which can occur as a result of dehydration or lack of acclimatization to hot temperatures. In your body's effort to cool it’s blood vessels dilate and blood flow to the brain is minimized.

Signs and symptoms: Fainting, dizziness, nausea

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to excessive loss of fluid and salt contained in sweat. Heat exhaustion often occurs when workers are not acclimated to working in the heat.

Signs and symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, thirst, dizziness, heavy sweating, elevated pulse or body temperature

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most severe heat illness and can lead to permanent disability or death. The increased body temperature can quickly cause damage to the worker’s vital organs

Signs and symptoms: Confusion, slurred speech, hot and dry skin if sweating has ceased, nausea, seizures, rapid pulse, very elevated body temperature

Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis can be caused by heat stroke. It is the breakdown of muscle tissue which releases myoglobin, a protein that carries and stores oxygen, into the bloodstream. If left untreated it can cause kidney and muscle damage, and in rare cases death.

Signs and symptoms:  Muscle pain, weakness, dark urine, decreased urine output

 

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OSHA’s Medical Services and First Aid standard and the Medical Service and First Aid in Construction require first aid personnel and equipment be readily available. If an employee is demonstrating any of the above signs and symptoms, first aid should be provided. Trying to diagnose which illness is occurring is difficult as many of the symptoms occur together.

When in doubt, cool the worker as soon as possible and call 911.