Outdoor workers at risk for heat stress

4:04 p.m., July 18, 2005--Working outside often has its perks, including fresh air and sunshine. As summer heat and humidity increase, however, outdoor workers should seek out air-conditioned comfort whenever possible--for safety’s sake.

“An increase in body temperature of two degrees can affect mental functioning, and an increase of five degrees can result in serious illness or death,” according to Ron Jester, Cooperative Extension safety specialist at UD.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the two most dangerous forms of heat stress. Jester advises learning to recognize the signs of these two illnesses to prevent serious health consequences.

“When suffering from heat exhaustion, an individual may have a body temperature of 102 degrees, may feel dizzy or faint and will sweat profusely,” Jester said. “Heat exhaustion requires treatment to replace fluids and cool down the body. Get the victim out of the sun and indoors and call a physician.”

Heat stroke victims, on the hand, are at risk of death, according to Jester. Victims lose the ability to regulate their body temperature through perspiration and run a fever of 105 degrees or more. In extreme cases, victims can lose consciousness or slip into a coma. Heat stroke victims require immediate medical attention.

“Acclimatization is an important step in controlling heat stress,” the Extension safety specialist said. He noted that gradually getting oneself used to higher temperatures can take several days or weeks. Jester suggests following a schedule of work-and-rest cycles to prevent overdoing an activity.

“When you are working in the heat, it’s important to drink 5 to 7 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes to keep fluid in the body,” Jester said. “As for food, eat a light lunch. Heavy meals reduce the body’s ability to get rid of heat by redirecting blood flow to the digestive tract and away from skin surface.”

Jester said other hazards await workers who labor under a hot sun.

“Working in a hot environment lowers mental alertness and physical performance,” he said. “Heat can cause workers to lose focus and become irritable--an especially hazardous state if the worker is operating heavy machinery.” To minimize the risks, he suggested rotating duties among several workers so no one person is subject to the same strenuous work throughout the day.

Those who allow themselves to become dehydrated, or are obese, under the influence of alcohol, or suffer from lack of sleep are at greater risk of heat illness, Jester said. Other factors contributing to heat stress are advanced age and taking medications such as antihistamines, diuretics and tranquilizers.

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