Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/40026
78 • SEPTEMBER 2011 • WORLD FENCE NEWS The heat equation Don't let hot weather endanger your health COURTESY OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) With summer well upon us, here is a simple formula for danger: high temperature + high humidity + physi- cal work = heat illness. Many folks who work outdoors in all types of weather do not fully ap- preciate the danger that heat illness can cause until it is too late. Here are some valuable tips to prevent heat illness, or treat it when it strikes. When the body is unable to cool itself through sweating, serious heat illnesses may occur. The most severe heat-induced ill- nesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If left untreated, heat exhaustion could progress to heat stroke and pos- sible death. Heat exhaustion What are the symptoms? Headaches; dizziness or light- headed ness; weakness; mood changes such as irritability, confusion or the in- ability to think straight; upset stom- ach; vomiting; decreased or dark-colored urine; fainting or passing out; and pale, clammy skin. What should you do? • Act immediately. If not treated, heat exhaustion may advance to heat stroke or death. • Move the victim to a cool, shaded area to rest. Don't leave the person alone. If symptoms include dizziness or lightheadedness, lay the victim on his or her back and raise the legs six to eight inches. If symptoms include nausea or upset stomach, lay the victim on his or her side. • Loosen and remove any heavy clothing. • Cool the person's body by fan- ning and spraying with a cool mist of water or applying a wet cloth to the person's skin. • Have the person drink cool water (about a cup every 15 minutes) unless sick to the stomach. • Call 911 for emergency help if the person does not feel better in a few minutes. Heat stroke — a medical emergency What are the symptoms? Dry, pale skin with no sweating; hot, red skin that looks sunburned; mood changes such as irritability, con- fusion or the inability to think straight; seizures or fits; and unconsciousness with no response. What should you do? • Call 911 for emergency help im- mediately. • Move the victim to a cool, shaded area. Don't leave the person alone. Lay the victim on his or her back. Move any nearby objects away from the per- son if symptoms include seizures or fits. If symptoms include nausea or upset stomach, lay the victim on his or her side. • Loosen and remove any heavy clothing. • Have the person drink cool water (about a cup every 15 minutes) if alert enough to drink something, unless sick to the stomach. • Cool the person's body by fan- ning and spraying with a cool mist of water or wiping the victim with a wet cloth or covering him or her with a wet sheet. • Place ice packs under the armpits and groin area. How can you protect yourself and your co-workers? • Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-induced illnesses and how to re- spond. • Train your workforce about heat- induced illnesses. • Perform the heaviest work dur- ing the coolest part of the day. • Build up tolerance to the heat and the work activity slowly. This usu- ally takes about two weeks. • Use the buddy system, with peo- ple working in pairs. • Drink plenty of cool water, about a cup every 15 to 20 minutes. • Wear light, loose-fitting, breath- able clothing, such as cotton. • Take frequent, short breaks in cool, shaded areas to allow the body to cool down. • Avoid eating large meals before working in hot environments. • Avoid alcohol or beverages with caffeine. These make the body lose water and increase the risk for heat ill- ness. What factors put you at increased risk? • Taking certain medications. Check with your health care provider or pharmacist to see if any medicines you are taking affect you when work- ing in hot environments. • Having a previous heat-induced illness. • Wearing personal protective equipment such as a respirator or pro- tective suit. Printed with permission from the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupa- tional Safety and Health Administra- tion (OSHA). Bob was in trouble. He forgot his wed- ding anniversary. His wife was really upset. She told him "Tomorrow morning, I ex- pect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from 0 to 170 in 6 seconds and it better be there!" The next morning he got up early and left for work. When his wife woke up, she looked out the window and sure enough there was a box gift-wrapped in the middle of the driveway. Confused, the wife put on her robe and ran out to the driveway, brought the box back in the house. bathroom scale. She opened it and found a brand new Bob has been missing ever since.