Workers warned to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses
With temperatures anticipated in the 90s for the next several days, the state Department of Public Health is urging workers to be cautious during periods of intense heat.
In 2013, the last year that statistics are available, there were 56 work-related emergency department visits to Connecticut’s hospitals for heat-related events, the department said in a news release.
The health department is reminding workers employed in Connecticut to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses due to the very warm temperatures expected this weekend and into next week:
To keep body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness, the health department recommends that people:
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. Those who must work outdoors are advised to try to limit outdoor activity to the mornings and evenings.
• Avoid working in direct sunlight and wear lightweight light-colored clothing.
• Check on all workers often, especially those workers most at risk
• Stay hydrated. Because the body loses fluids through sweat, can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat.
• Drink more water than usual. Do not wait until thirsty to drink more liquids.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Drink about four cups of water every hour while working outside.
• Remind other workers to drink enough water.
• Call 911 immediately to seek medical treatment if a worker experiences heat stress.
Although anyone can be affected from heat stress, some workers are at a higher risk than other workers such as older workers, overweight workers, and workers who are overexerting themselves and workers who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications that put them at risk, the health department said.
For information on heat stress and heat-related illnesses, visit the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health website at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html.
For information on prevention and preparing for extreme heat, visit: http://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2016/05/23/extreme-heat/.
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