Health Articles > Seiden Summer Health and Safety

Working in the Heat

Many people work outside either at their jobs or at home. While doing paid labour or a labour of love, consider the risks associated with working in the heat. Be sure to understand the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses such as heat stroke and know what to do if faced with heat related illnesses. Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover most of your body, a hat, sunscreen on uncovered areas, and sunglasses to minimize your exposure to the sun. Wear light coloured clothing, which does not absorb the heat as much as dark coloured clothing, to stay cool. Understand the humidex provided by your local weather channel. If you feel dizzy, fatigued, light-headed, or thirsty, take a break from your work, seek shade, go indoors, and hydrate yourself. If these steps do not make you feel better seek the attention of a health care provider immediately. The following are links to help you educate yourself on workplace standards for outdoor work, possible controls to prevent heat related injuries, and information on how to understand the humidex

Working in the Heat Fact Sheet

Workplace Bulletin

Ministry of Labour Heat Stress Controls

Understanding the Humidex?

 

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when your body looses more fluids then you take in. Authorities suggest you drink 8 glasses (about 2 litres) of fluid a day. When it is hot you may require more. One source suggests people doing physical work in the heat drink 250mL (about 8oz) every 20 minutes. Use common sense. Drink when you feel thirsty. One way to gauge your level of hydration is by the colour of your urine. The lighter the colour, the better. Preventing dehydration is very important for infants, children, the elderly, and people with chronic problems including diabetes, heart failure, and kidney disease. If you feel faint, dizzy or suddenly become tired while outside it is imperative that you get into a cool place and re-hydrate yourself. If your symptoms do not go away after cooling down and drinking water seek immediate medical attention. Young children may not have the communication skills to request a drink and the elderly do not notice their thirst as much as younger adults. Use the following links to educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of dehydration so that you can avert this condition for yourself and your family.

What is Dehydration?

What are the Symptoms?

How to Prevent Dehydration

 

Next: References >>

 

Top