Guides & Toolkits

8 150-008-01-IADO © 2014, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca tailgate talks – dangers of Heat stress Don't push yourself beyond your limits. It could be harmful to your health, and could put you at increased risk of having an accident. Heat stress hazards Following are three common conditions that can result from the body overheating. Heat cramps: Heavy sweating drains the body of salt, which cannot be replaced by simply drinking water. Painful cramps occur in the arms, legs, or stomach while on the job, or later at home. Move the person to a cool area at once if cramping is experienced. Loosen clothing and provide cool, nutrient replenishing fluids or water. Seek medical aid if the cramps are severe, or don't go away. Do not leave the person alone. Heat exhaustion: Inadequate water and salt intake causes the body's cooling system to break down. Symptoms include heavy sweating, cool, moist skin, body temperature over 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit), weak pulse, and normal or low blood pressure. The victim is likely to be tired, weak, clumsy, upset, or confused. They will be very thirsty, and will pant or breathe rapidly. Their vision may be blurred. Get medical help immediately! Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can kill. Move the person to a cool, shaded area. Loosen or remove excess clothing. Provide cool, nutrient replenishing fluids or water. Fan and spray the victim with cool water. Do not leave person alone. Heat stroke can kill a person quickly! Once the body uses up all its water and salt, sweating ceases. Temperature can rise quickly. You can assume a person is suffering from heat stroke if their body temperature is over 41 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit), and any of the following symptoms are present: Weakness, confusion, distress, strange behaviour Hot, dry, red skin Rapid pulse Headache or dizziness In later stages of heat stroke, a victim may pass out and have convulsions Call an ambulance immediately if heat stroke is suspected. The victim's life may be on the line! Until help arrives, move the victim to a cool area and remove excess clothing. Fan and spray them with cool water. Offer sips of water if the victim is conscious. wsps.ca

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