A Guide to Summer Heat Safety

With all due respect to Florence and the Machine, the dog days are not over. At least, not the dog days of summer.

It's August, and that means there will be at least one more heat wave before fall sets in. 

There are concerns about working on any given day. It's no small feat keeping our cool in chaotic, challenging or loud conditions. But summer comes with its own specific challenges to our systems. 

Extreme heat and humidity are a shock to the system. Our bodies can immediately feel a change when drinking some ice water or leaving a cool air conditioned room. Heat-related illnesses can easily sneak up on us, and we might not realize it until we're in trouble.

• Heat stress is the leading cause of weather-related deaths. 
• Heat stress can exacerbate underlying illnesses including diabetes, mental health, asthma. Heat stress can also increase the risk of accidents and transmission of some infectious diseases.
• The type of work you are doing can make you more susceptible to heat. For example, a higher level of physical activity and exertion or type of PPE can make it more difficult for the body to cool itself down.
• Symptoms of heat illness include headache or nausea, weakness or dizziness, elevated body temperature, thirst and decreased urine output.
• A heat stroke can be deadly. Symptoms include dry skin, rapid heart rate, high fever (over 104° F), nausea, vomiting, confusion, lethargy and stupor.
• Some medications can cause people to be more susceptible to heat illness. For example, antihistamines and heart and blood pressure medication can make it harder to sweat and regulate body temperature.
• As long as it is safe to do so, wear light-colored, loose-fitting and breathable clothing.
• The human body is comprised of about 70% water.
• Dehydration can impair your ability to think clearly. Even mild to moderate dehydration can result in attention problems, motor coordination and impaired decision-making.
• Signs of dehydration include feeling thirsty; dry mouth, lips and tongue; fatigue; muscle weakness; decreased urine output; darker, strong-smelling urine; and confusion.
• To avoid dehydration, drink one cup water every 15-20 minutes you're working in the heat. Do not exceed 48 ounces per hour.

• People with diabetes, heart disease, cystic fibrosis and other chronic conditions need to consult their health care provider about recommended fluid intake.
• During an hour of heavy work in hot weather, the body can easily sweat out one 32 ounces of water.
• Workers need to drink cool water, less than 60° F, to cool down.
• Chronic dehydration increases the risk for a number of medical conditions, including kidney stones.
• Drinking alcohol within 24 hour of working in the heat can increase the risk of heat illness.
• To bring down someone's body temperature, immerse them in a tub of cold water. If that's not possible, apply a cool rag or ice packs to the neck, armpits and groin.