Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion and heat cramps occur frequently when service workers are performing work in hot environments. Although they are not initially life-threatening, they can lead to more serious problems.

• symptoms of heat exhaustion include pale and moist skin, heavy sweating, dilated pupils, headache, nausea, dizziness and vomiting.

• when you are working hard in a hot environment and your body is working properly, you are sweating heavily to cool your body. The loss of fluid in your body causes blood flow to slow which could result in a form of shock.

• protect yourself from heat exhaustion by keeping fluids in your body. Drink water & electrolytes frequently throughout the day. Take breaks to cool down and replace body fluids.

• If a co-worker shows any symptoms get him or her to a cool place and call for emergency medical services. Treat for shook by placing them on their back and prop their feet up 8-10 inches above the ground.

• Cool the victim by loosing his/her clothing, fanning and placing cold packs on top of the clothes. If the person is fully conscious and can safely drink water, give them ½ glass every 15 minutes

• Heat cramps are muscle spasms from heavy exertion. The cramps are usually in the stomach or legs.

  • Protect yourself from heat cramps by keeping plenty of fluid in your body. Drink water & electrolytes throughout your work day.

  • If you or a co-worker show signs of heat cramps get to a cool place. Drink ½ glass of salt water every 15 minutes for an hour. the recommended mixture is ¼ teaspoon of salt mixed with one quart of water.