OSHA - Heat-Related Illness and First Aid

May 01, 2015

Heat-related Illnesses and First Aid

Illustration of a man's head who seems to have a high body temperature

Heat stroke, the most serious form of heat-related illness, happens when the body becomes unable to regulate its core temperature. Sweating stops and the body can no longer rid itself of excess heat. Signs include confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures. "Heat stroke is a medical emergency that may result in death! Call 911 immediately.

Illustration of a man's head who sweating

Heat exhaustion is the body's response to loss of water and salt from heavy sweating. Signs include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, and heavy sweating.

Illustration of a leg which denotes cramping

Heat cramps are caused by the loss of body salts and fluid during sweating. Low salt levels in muscles cause painful cramps. Tired muscles—those used for performing the work—are usually the ones most affected by cramps. Cramps may occur during or after working hours.

Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, is skin irritation caused by sweat that does not evaporate from the skin. Heat rash is the most common problem in hot work environments.

The chart below shows symptoms and first aid measures to take if a worker shows signs of a heat-related illness.

Illness

Symptoms

First Aid^*

Heat stroke

Confusion
Fainting
Seizures
Excessive sweating or red, hot, dry skin
Very high body temperature

Call 911

While waiting for help:

Place worker in shady, cool area
Loosen clothing, remove outer clothing
Fan air on worker; cold packs in armpits
Wet worker with cool water; apply ice packs, cool compresses, or ice if available
Provide fluids (preferably water) as soon as possible
Stay with worker until help arrives

Heat exhaustion

Cool, moist skin
Heavy sweating
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Light headedness
Weakness
Thirst
Irritability
Fast heart beat

Have worker sit or lie down in a cool, shady area
Give worker plenty of water or other cool beverages to drink
Cool worker with cold compresses/ice packs
Take to clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation or treatment if signs or symptoms worsen or do not improve within 60 minutes.
Do not return to work that day

Heat cramps

Muscle spasms
Pain
Usually in abdomen, arms, or legs

Have worker rest in shady, cool area
Worker should drink water or other cool beverages
Wait a few hours before allowing worker to return to strenuous work
Have worker seek medical attention if cramps don't go away

Heat rash

Clusters of red bumps on skin
Often appears on neck, upper chest, folds of skin

Try to work in a cooler, less humid environment when possible
Keep the affected area dry

^* Remember, if you are not a medical professional, use this information as a guide only to help workers in need.