With record-breaking heat beginning the month, OSHA reminds us that each year, heat-related illnesses affect five to 10 million workers. As an employer, you may be liable if your workers develop heat-related illnesses.

The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion:

???(R)???AE? Muscle Cramps
???(R)???AE? Dizziness
???(R)???AE? Headache
???(R)???AE? Irritability
???(R)???AE? Extreme Thirst
???(R)???AE? Nausea or Vomiting
???(R)???AE? Pale Skin
???(R)???AE? Heavy Sweating
???(R)???AE? Fainting
???(R)???AE? Blurred Vision

Heat stroke, which can be life-threatening, include these signs plus:

???(R)???AE? Body Temperature Over 105 degrees F
???(R)???AE? Irrational Behavior
???(R)???AE? Confusion
???(R)???AE? Rapid, Shallow Breathing
???(R)???AE? Rapid, Weak Pulse
???(R)???AE? Seizures
???(R)???AE? Loss of Consciousness

Tips to avoid heat-related illnesses:

???(R)???AE? Dress Properly: wear a hat, lightweight, light-colored, loose clothing, PPE with moisture wicking properties.

???(R)???AE? Drink Fluids Frequently: one quart of cool water per hour but no more than three gallons per day is recommended.

???(R)???AE? Take additional breaks in cool, shaded areas.

???(R)???AE? Eat Light and Right!

???(R)???AE? Identify situations in your work environment that can increase heat exposure.

???(R)???AE? Closely monitor any medical conditions that can be aggravated by heat.

???(R)???AE? Work as a Team: encourage each other to maintain prevention techniques and watch for signs of heat stress in your co-workers.