Outdoor Survival

Working Under the Hot Summer Sun

As the early morning sun rises above the eastern horizon on a summer day, the mercury in the thermometer follows close behind. Some areas of the country can see temperatures reach triple digits. If high temperatures weren't enough, humidity can often make things even worse. The majority of the population does not have to

work in this environment, but those who do risk more damage to their health than a sunburn.

Earlier this year, Korey Stringer, a football player for the Minnesota Vikings, died as a result of heat-related complications. Stringer and his teammates were exposed to high temperatures and humidity while performing physical activities. After the morning drills, he went to an air-conditioned training room and lost consciousness.

Stringer, who weighed 335 pounds, was reported to have a body temperature of 108.8 degrees, more than 10 degrees above normal. Major organs can stop functioning if the body's temperature rises above 104.5 to 105 degrees. Though Stringer had the burden of wearing heavy pads preventing his body to cool properly, most labor workers have to wear clothing and other equipment to meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.

What Are Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion?

Korey Stringer, tackle for the Minnesota Vikings, passed away on August 1, 2001. Stinger felt the effects of the high heat and humid conditions at practice, but did not notify trainers until after drills had ended. His gear and dark colored jersey may have added stress to his body by not allowing it to cool. (Photo credits: images on this page, John Dornan; previous page, Associated Press.)

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are often considered to be the same problem, but each illness is very different. Heat stroke is based on the elevation of the body's core temperature and its inability to cool off through perspiration. On the other hand, heat exhaustion occurs when the body becomes dehydrated, which can be a precursor to heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion is a warning that the body is getting too hot. It is defined by an excessive loss of fluid. Warning signs include: increasing fatigue, weakness, anxiety and drenching sweats, leading to circulatory collapse with a normal to slightly raised pulse; low or imperceptible blood pressure; cold, pale, clammy skin; and disorientation followed by a shock-like unconsciousness. A person suffering from heat exhaustion may be thirsty, giddy, weak, uncoordinated and nauseated. Though the skin is cold and clammy, the body temperature remains near normal. Because the symptoms of heat exhaustion are similar to other afflictions, it can be harder to diagnose than heat stroke.

A person suffering from heat stroke can easily die. The body's temperature will usually rise above 104 degrees and the victim will have a strong and rapid pulse. Signs include confusion, combativeness, faintness, bizarre behavior, staggering, delirium and coma. The effect of the high body temperature can create irreversible brain damage.

Heat related illness can come in other forms that are often overlooked:

• Heat stress: Strain is placed on the body as result of hot weather.

• Heat fatigue: A feeling of weakness brought on by high

outdoor temperatures. It is often defined by cool, moist skin,

a weakened pulse and a feeling of faintness.

• Heat syncope: A sudden dizziness experienced after

exercising in the heat. The skin appears pale and sweaty but is

generally moist and cool. The pulse is weakened and the heart

rate is usually rapid. Body temperature is normal.

• Heat cramps: Painful muscle spasms in the abdomen, arms or

legs following strenuous activity. Heat cramps are caused by

a lack of salt in the body.

Treatment for Heat Illness

A person exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion can be treated in a few ways according to information offered by the University of Southern California Hospital. First, the person should be moved out of the sun and into a cool place. An ideal location would be an air-conditioned environment. Offer fluids to the victim, preferably water or fruit juices. Avoid drinks that include alcohol and caffeine. Instruct the person to shower, bathe, or sponge off with cool water. Finally, coerce the individual to lie down and rest in a cool place if possible.

If the person is showing more severe signs, such as those attributed to heat stroke, get medical help immediately.

Start with Prevention

According to OSHA, there are some simple steps that can improve a worker's chances of avoiding heat-related illness. The first step is acclimatization. This process has the worker getting used to the environment by starting with short periods of exposure and progressively increasing the exposure time.

Workers will sweat more efficiently and therefore can maintain normal body temperatures.

Another huge factor in prevention is replacement of bodily fluids. Workers should be encouraged to drink small amounts of water or other cool liquids (again, excluding alcoholic beverages) frequently. A sample formula given by OSHA suggests one cup of water every 20 minutes of work. Next, several engineering controls are suggested including general ventilation, air treatment, air conditioning, local air cooling and using fans or heat shields.

The manner in which crews perform tasks can effectively prevent a person from suffering in the heat. Workers should reduce the physical demands of daily tasks like excessive lifting or digging with heavy objects. Each job should also provide recovery areas. A common practice is to change shift times. Many companies will start shifts early in the morning or have the crews work during the night to avoid the heat of the day. Implementing intermittent rest periods with water breaks, using relief workers and limiting the number of workers in confined areas are some other ways to prevent exposing workers to dangerous conditions.

Doing Their Part

Stringer's death shows the serious nature of all heat related illness. He reportedly showed signs of a heat illness when he vomited three times. Guidelines suggest anybody working outdoors should take intermittent rest periods, allowing them to drink water or other beverages to replenish lost fluids. (Photo credits: above, Associated Press; opposite page, Richard Marshall.)

The Groundskeeper, a landscaping company, has offices located in Tucson, Phoenix and Las Vegas. Each office has implemented methods to avoid subjecting their employees to dangerous conditions common to these regions.

According to Robin A. Jablonski, construction division manager for The Groudskeeper, crew members are supplied with light color working hats, tinted safety glasses and light colored uniform shirts. The material for clothing is made of 100 percent cotton and the workers have the option of choosing short sleeve shirts or long sleeve shirts to provide protection from the sun.

In addition to body protection, Jablonski said work hours are adjusted to earlier start times during the hotter months. Furthermore, water jugs supplied by the office are filled with block ice, which lasts longer than cubed ice.

"The importance of continual hydration as well as recognizing the symptoms of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are an integral part of safety meetings," Jablonski said. "We find that hydration is the key to successfully minimizing heat related injuries. Techniques for heat [illness] triage are also spoken about as well as recommending the use of sun block for sun protection."

Employee safety is important to every company. If a worker knows the company they work for is actively concerned about his or her health, the worker feels more comfortable and can stay focused on job related issues. However, extreme heat conditions may effect workers even with proper prevention techniques. For this reason, it is important that each worker understand the signs and symptoms of heat related-illness and can give proper care for fellow employees until medical help can arrive.

For more information about heat related illness, visit the OSHA web site (www.osha.gov) or contact a local hospital or health center.