Hot steel, high humidity, PPE and physically demanding work can push your body harder than you realize.
Heat stress is not always obvious; it can build throughout the day and continue after you leave the yard. Getting into the air conditioning or drinking water after a shift does not always mean your body has fully recovered.
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS
Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and it can develop quickly. A person experiencing heat stroke may not realize they are in danger, which is why looking out for each other is so important.
Here’s how it starts: heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, fatigue, muscle cramps and/or nausea. If illness progresses, it can affect your ability to think clearly, make safe decisions and recognize that you need help.
Here are more serious signs: confusion or unusual behavior, loss of coordination or stumbling, fainting or inability to stay awake or seizures.
STOP HEAT STRESS BEFORE IT STARTS
Hydrate before you’re thirsty. Drink water consistently throughout your shift. A good guideline when working in hot conditions is about 8 ounces of water every 15-20 minutes.
Replace what you lose. Heavy sweating for hours causes your body to lose electrolytes. Water should be your primary source of hydration, but electrolyte replacement is also important. Drinks like Gatorade, Propel or Liquid I.V. and pickle juice help replace sodium lost through sweat. Listen to your body and don’t wait until you feel depleted to start replacing fluids.
Recover after work. A full shift in the heat can affect your body even after you leave the yard. Rehydrate, eat a balanced meal and give your body time to cool down. Use caffeine wisely and avoid alcohol for at least 12 hours before working in the heat.
LOOK OUT FOR YOUR TEAMMATES
The safest crews are the ones who speak up, check in and take care of each other — during the shift and after the workday ends.