How Employers Can Reduce the Risk of Heat-Related Illnesses in Employees

Employees working at outdoor sites or in warm indoor spaces may not realize that they’re at risk of heat-related illness on sweltering summer days. An average of 3,389 heat-related illnesses and injuries are reported annually, with about 40 fatalities each year, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Heat, humidity, and poor air quality are factors.

“We think about extreme temperatures when it’s really cold and icy outside, but people forget that it’s also not safe to work outdoors in the heat extremes,” says Robert Pedowitz, D.O., Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Occupational Health and Safety at Hackensack Meridian Health. “Heat exposure causes varying types of symptoms and illnesses.”

The spectrum of heat-related illness

Heat-related conditions can be mild, moderate or severe:

• Heat rash. People with sun sensitivity may develop heat rash (prickly heat) when they overheat. It can cause itchiness and redness on the chest, arms and legs.
• Treatment: Affected workers should move to a cool area and apply cold compresses. Heat rash often resolves on its own, but a topical antihistamine cream can ease symptoms.
• Heat syncope (fainting). Certain workers may pass out in the heat. It’s more likely if they don’t drink enough fluids and overlook symptoms like dizziness. People with diabetes, heart disease and obesity are at increased risk.
• Treatment: Workers may feel better after moving to a cool environment, drinking plenty of fluids and applying cold compresses.
• Heat cramps. Employees may develop cramping or muscle spasms, usually in the calf muscles, if they become dehydrated.
• Treatment: Employees should rest in a cool environment, drink lots of fluids, and stretch the affected muscles. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help ease pain.
• Heat exhaustion. Workers who become overheated and dehydrated may feel irritable, thirsty, tired, dizzy and nauseous. They might sweat heavily and have a low-grade fever (~100 degrees). 
• Treatment: Employees should move to a cool location and remove layers of clothing. Cold compresses on the forehead, armpits, and back of the neck can cool them down. They’ll need to drink, but water may not be sufficient if they’ve lost salt through perspiration. An electrolyte-rich sports drink may be better. 
• Heat stroke. An employee with heat exhaustion who ignores the symptoms and keeps working may develop heat stroke. They can become very sleepy, agitated, and confused. They may not be aware of their surroundings or make sense when they speak. They may have a high fever (~104 degrees), very dry skin (no more sweating), an elevated heart rate or seizures.
• Treatment: Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Affected employees must be taken to the emergency department. To make them more comfortable, remove layers of clothing, offer fluid to drink (only if they are awake and alert) and put ice on their forehead, armpits, and back of the neck. 

Heat-related illness more likely in some workers

Heat-related illness disproportionately affects new employees and workers returning from vacation, injury or layoff. Working in the heat is challenging because they aren’t acclimated to the weather. The ‘Rule of 20’ helps them adjust gradually.

“On the first day of the job, they spend 20% of the workday in the heat, then do responsibilities in different environments,” Dr. Pedowitz says. “Each day, they add 20% more time in the heat. After five days, they’ll be working full-time in the heat.”

How to reduce the risk of heat-related illness in workers

Employers who proactively reduce the risk of heat-related illness help keep their workforce safe, comfortable and productive. Try these strategies:

• Be proactive. Demonstrate a culture of caring. Offer hydration stations, shaded areas for outdoor workers, and access to cool spaces. Ask workers to alert supervisors if the heat affects them.
• Be informative. Post materials in break rooms about symptoms of heat-related illness. Hang signs reminding workers to drink at least 8 ounces of fluids hourly, wear light-colored clothing outdoors, remove extra layers and ask for breaks to cool down. Workers at risk of heat-related illness include landscapers, construction workers, roofers, maintenance workers, bakery employees, laundry workers and boiler room operators. People with diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and asthma may be at increased risk.
• Be communicative. If there’s a broken air conditioner, for example, provide updates. Tell workers when it will be fixed and what interim modifications you’re providing, such as more breaks or a shorter workday.
• Be flexible. Summertime peak sun is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and it’s hottest between 2 and 5 p.m. Employees who work from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. experience peak sun and the day's hottest hours. If possible, shift the work schedule to 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. or evening hours.
• Be attentive. Designate a foreman or supervisor to monitor employees for signs of heat-related illness and to identify cases before heat stroke develops. 

To discover why we are the ideal choice for your occupational medicine needs, as well as to explore our complete range of workplace health and safety services, simply locate a Hackensack Meridian Works office near you or reach out to a member of our team by visiting our main website.