Safety Smarts
‘SPECIAL EDITION’
HEAT SAFETY REMINDER
Heat Related Injuries Are YOUR Responsibility
The past few summers have shown that the risk of heat illness from high temperatures is one of the most serious challenges to the safety and health of employees across America. With the current heat wave it is important that management understand that we support the Zero-Incident-Mindset by protecting our workers from heat related injuries. To date this year, we have had a few incidents as a result of heat illness.
HEAT ILLNESS CAN BE DEADLY. Every year, thousands of workers become sick from exposure to heat, and some even die. These illnesses and deaths are preventable.
Workers exposed to hot and humid conditions are at risk of heat illness, especially those doing heavy work tasks or using bulky protective clothing and equipment. Some workers might be at greater risk than others if they have not built up a tolerance to hot conditions.
What is heat illness? The body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating isn't enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if precautions are not taken. Heat illnesses range from heat rash and heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention and can result in death.
How can heat illness be prevented? Remember three simple words: Water, Rest, and
Cool. Employers should educate their workers on how drinking water often, taking breaks, and limiting time in the heat can help prevent heat illness. They should include these prevention steps in worksite training and plans. Employers should also teach employees to gradually build up to heavy work in hot conditions because this helps you build tolerance to the heat - or become acclimated. They should take steps that help workers become acclimated, especially workers who are new to working in the heat or have been away from work for a week or more. Lastly, during the first week of work, employers should gradually increase workloads and allow more frequent breaks. You should plan for an emergency and know what to do - acting quickly can save lives!
Jacobson has aligned special discounted pricing on items to help reduce the possibility of heat injuries at your facility. We do not mandate you purchase these products, but we do want to protect our employees at our facilities. To find the Heat Index temperature, look at the Heat Index chart below. As an example, if the air temperature is 96°F and the relative humidity is 65%, the heat index--how hot it feels--is 121°F. The National Weather Service will initiate alert procedures when the Heat Index is expected to exceed 105°-110°F (depending on local climate) for at least 2 consecutive days.
NOAA's Watch, Warning, and Advisory Products for Extreme Heat
Each National Weather Service Forecast Office issues the following heat-related products as conditions warrant: * Excessive Heat Outlooks: : are issued when the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3-7 days. An Outlook provides information to those who need considerable lead time to prepare for the event, such as public utility staff, emergency managers and public health officials. See the mean heat index and probability forecasts maps. * Excessive Heat Watches: are issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours. A Watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. A Watch provides enough lead time so that those who need to prepare can do so, such as cities officials who have excessive heat event mitigation plans. * Excessive Heat Warning/Advisories are issued when an excessive heat event is expected in the next 36 hours. These products are issued when an excessive heat event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of

occurring. The warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life. An advisory is for less serious conditions that cause significant discomfort or inconvenience and, if caution is not taken, could lead to a threat to life.
Heat-Related Illness Symptoms and First Aid HEAT CRAMPS
• Symptoms:
o Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen o Heavy sweating
• First Aid:
o Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. o Give sips of water, if nausea occurs, discontinue water
HEAT EXHAUSTION
• Symptoms:
o Heavy sweating o Weakness
o Cool, pale, clammy skin
o Weak pulse
o Possible muscle cramps
o Dizziness
o Nausea and vomiting
o Fainting
o Normal temperature possible
• First Aid:
o Move person to a cooler environment
o Remove or loosen clothing
o Apply cool, wet cloths
o Fan or move victim to air conditioned room
o Offer sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue water. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention. HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke)
• Symptoms:
o Altered mental state o Possible throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing o High body temperature (106°F or higher)
o Skin may be hot and dry, or patient may be sweating
o Rapid pulse o Possible unconsciousness • First Aid: o Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Summon emergency medical assistance or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. o Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment o Reduce body temperature with a water mister and fan or sponging o Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s
o Use extreme caution o If temperature rises again, repeat process o Do NOT give fluids