Summer is here, and
those workers who do roofing work, road repair, construction, landscaping, or
other physically demanding jobs are probably exposed to hot and humid
conditions! Being uncomfortable is not the major problem which exists, when
working in high temperatures. Varying degrees of heat stress may also be
suffered, increasing the potential for accidents.
The human body
maintains a fairly constant internal temperature. When we become overheated,
several reactions take place. First, the body rids itself of excess heat by
increasing circulation in blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. This
is why the face and hands turn red when you begin to overheat. The brain may also
signal the sweat glands to work harder. As the sweat evaporates, it cools the
skin and removes large quantities of heat from the body. Problems begin when
outside temperature are near your body temperature (980 F). If the
air temperature around you is warmer than your skin, blood that has been
brought to the body surface cannot lose its heat. Also, if the humidity is
high, your body will continue to sweat liquids containing electrolytes, which
will not easily evaporate. Therefore, you cannot rid yourself of the excess
heat that is building up. With so much blood being sent to the outer surface of
your body, less is available for active muscles, your brain, and other internal
organs. The following reactions take place:-
● Body strength declines;
● Fatigue occurs sooner
than it would otherwise;
● Alertness and mental capacity may also be affected. Workers
who must perform delicate or detailed work may find they are less accurate.
Others may find they have less ability to understand and retain information.
The problem is, you may not realize this is happening.
Heat stress may also produce heat cramps (the internal organs are not
getting enough electrolytes due to profuse sweating). It may bring on heat
exhaustion (caused by insufficient water intake and not being able to evaporate
the sweat). Or, you may suffer heat stroke, which is when your body shuts down
in an attempt to keep its internal organs from burning up. Without emergency
treatment, the heat stroke victim lapses into shock, then a coma and death may
follow.
To control heat stress, remember these tips:-
● Use ventilation or local
cooling fans to increase air movement over your body and promote skin
evaporation.
● Take frequent rest breaks
between strenuous work activities.
● Wear protective clothing,
such as loose cotton or heat reflective clothes.
● Drink plenty of liquids to
replenish your fluid loss.
● Avoid alcohol and
caffeine, these also cause an expansion of blood vessels and may bring on
dizziness or fainting.
