Have fun—and stay safe—in the summer sun!

Summer is in full swing and that means the heat is on. Here are important heat-related facts and tips for staying safe this season.

Dangers of heat exposure

According to the CDC, more than 600 people die by extreme heat every year. That’s why it’s important to be aware of heat-related conditions such as:

Heat stroke: This is the most serious of all heat-related conditions, and occurs when the body is no longer able to regulate its own internal heat. Heat stroke is life threatening, and symptoms include confusion, loss of consciousness and seizures. If someone is suspected of suffering from heat stroke, call 911 right away.
Heat exhaustion: More mild than heat stroke, but still very serious. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea and extreme sweating and thirst. If you or employees are suffering from these symptoms, get hydrated and into a cool place as quickly as possible.
Heat cramps: These are cramps cause by the loss of salt in the body through extreme sweating. Cramps can be debilitating, and especially dangerous if an employee’s job requires physical exertion.
Heat rash: Also known as “prickly skin,” heat rash is caused by excessive and persistent sweating. It is the most common heat-related condition.

Identifying and responding to heat-related conditions on the job

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides the following chart to help employers identify heat-related conditions, and know how to respond:

Condition	Symptoms	First Aid Response
Heat Stroke	Confusion Fainting Seizures Excessive sweating or red, hot, dry skin Very high body temperature	Call 911 While waiting for help: Place worker in shady, cool area Loosen clothing, remove outer clothing Fan air on worker; cold packs in armpits Wet worker with cool water; apply ice packs, cool compresses, or ice if available Provide fluids (preferably water) as soon as possible Stay with worker until help arrives
Heat Exhaustion	Cool, moist skin Heavy sweating Headache Nausea or vomiting Dizziness Light headedness Weakness Thirst Irritability Fast heart beat	Have worker sit or lie down in a cool, shady area Give worker plenty of water or other cool beverages to drink Cool worker with cold compresses/ice packs Take to clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation or treatment if signs or symptoms worsen or do not improve within 60 minutes Do not return to work that day
Heat Cramps	Muscle spasms Pain Usually in abdomen, arms, or legs	Have worker rest in a shady, cool area Worker should drink water or other cool beverages Wait a few hours before allowing worker to return to strenuous work Have worker seek medical attention if cramps don't go away
Heat Rash	Clusters of red bumps on skin Often appears on neck, upper chest, folds of skin	Try to work in a cooler, less humid environment when possible Keep the affected area dry

Keeping cool away from work

Heat dangers don’t stop when everyone’s off the clock. Whether you or your employees are having a picnic at the park or doing yard work around the house, here are some helpful reminders:

Stay hydrated
Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day
Check in with loved ones and neighbors who don’t have air conditioning in their homes
Apply sunscreen liberally and often
NEVER leave children or pets alone in a car on a hot day

Stay safe—and have fun!

Don’t let extreme heat stand in the way of a fun summer for you, your employees and their families. Keeping these safety tips top of mind will help you and employees stay safe while also enjoying the summer sun.

LifeMapCo

Have fun—and stay safe—in the summer sun!

Dangers of heat exposure

Identifying and responding to heat-related conditions on the job

Keeping cool away from work

Stay safe—and have fun!

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