The National Safety Council reports that although the human body is normally able to regulate its temperature by doing things like sweating, when it is exposed to more heat than it can handle, it can become susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Both conditions can worsen quickly and cause delirium, organ damage, and even death. 

Many people in the AEC industry work in the field, often outside in hot weather. Protect yourself and your coworkers from heat-related tragedies. How?

What You Can Do, according to the National Safety Council 

1. Get the Free Reference Guide App

The NSC First Aid created a free, digital first aid, CPR and AED reference guide app that you can get on your mobile device and have with you whenever an emergency strikes.

2. Know the Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

If you know the symptoms, you can act if you recognize that you or your coworker is developing heat exhaustion. Look out for pale, ashen or moist skin, muscle cramps, fatigue, headache, dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, and a rapid heart rate.

3. Know the Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Body temperature above 103 degrees, skin that is flushed, dry and hot to the touch (sweating has usually stopped), rapid breathing, headache, dizziness, confusion or other signs of altered mental status including irrational or belligerent behavior, and convulsions or unresponsiveness.

4. Do Not…

Do not force a victim of heat stroke to drink liquids once they have heat stroke, do not apply rubbing alcohol to their skin, nor allow victims to take pain relievers or salt tablets as these can cause more harm.

5. Immediately, Do…

Call 911. Move the victim of heat stroke to a cool place. Remove unnecessary clothing, and monitor their breathing and use CPR if needed.

6. Preventatively, Do…

Seek air-conditioning, drink fluids regularly but avoid alcohol, wear lightweight clothing, and wear sunscreen preventatively.

Be safe in the heat! Learn more from our source by clicking here!

See you next month for another Safety Tip.