It is important that worksite emergency procedures are clearly listed for all employees and that adequate information is listed on how to moderate hot weather emergencies.
- Prepare an action plan in case a worker encounters temperature-related condition.
- Make sure medical staff is available during working hours
- Ensure your staff knows what course of action to take if a coworker displays signs of heat related sickness
- Have staff prepared to issue first aid to any person showing signs of heat stress
- Immediately call emergency services (call 911) if anyone shows signs of heat stroke
- Have clear and concise directions laid out for all persons at the worksite
- Response to someone suffering heat stress
o Move person into a shaded area
o Loosen clothing
o Wet and fan the skin to provide cooling
o Place ice packs in the arm pits and neck if available
o Provide the affected with water
- If the persons condition worsens, call emergency medical services
- Signs that a person’s conditions is becoming worse
o Loss of consciousness
o Person appears confused
o Person appears uncoordinated
- Make sure there is always someone attending to a worker suffering from heat related problems, they should never be left alone
- It is imperative that all workers use emergency procedures properly whenever needed
- Develop plan to reschedule work incase conditions become unsafe
Just how to React To Heat-related Issues...
If it is noticed that a worker is suffering from heat related problems, all work must immediately be stopped and action must be taken to assist the affected. Remember, heat stoke is a medical emergency, therefore emergency services must be called immediately.
Source: OSHA
|
Ailment |
Symptoms: |
First Aid |
|
Heat Stroke
|
|
While waiting
|
|
Heat Exhaustion |
|
|
|
Heat Cramps |
|
|
|
Heat Rash |
|
|