Safety Alerts

Safety Alerts

The hot season is upon us and it is time to remind our employees to be watchful for symptoms of heat stress and heat stroke, also known as sun stroke, heat exhaustion, heat rash and heat fatigue.

Heat stress results from exposure to high temperatures and/or humidity, lack of fluids, restrictive clothing and heavy work load. Heat stress is preventable and it is the policy of Thompson Contracting to follow recognized safety procedures to protect personnel. Employees are in the best position to know the early warning signs and take the appropriate action. Supervisors should also be alert to the signs of heat stress affecting employees and take action before it becomes a problem.

These are the warning signs of heat stroke:

Visible sweating
Increased heart rate
Clumsiness and confusion
Unexplained irritability
“Feeling kind of funny”

These are the warning signs of heat exhaustion:

Fatigue
Weakness
Blurred vision
Dizziness, headache
Loss of body water and salts

These are the warning signs of heat fatigue:

Brief fainting
Blurred vision

These are the warning signs of heat cramps:

Severe muscle pain

HOW DO I AVOID HEAT STRESS?

Get acclimated - get used to the heat; always reacclimatize yourself after a vacation or returning from sick leave.
Stay conditioned - proper sleep, exercising and healthy eating habits will help.
If you have medical problems (high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke), consult with your physician about heat exposure.

HOW DO I GET HELP?
If you think you may be having a heat stress problem at your job site talk to your supervisor or call your safety manager.

HOW TO BEAT THE HEAT

DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS. Lots of cool water is best. Try to avoid carbonated drinks as they can cause cramps.
AVOID ALCOHOL. These liquids can dehydrate your body.
PLAN YOUR ACTIVITIES. Save the most strenuous work for the cooler parts of the day.
STAY COOL. When hot, look for a cool spot. (Shady areas, air conditioned areas, etc.)
DRESS COOL. Wear loose-weave, cotton fabrics that allow your body to breathe.
REST OFTEN. Get sufficient rest, sleep and nutrition. Get in shape.

Prepared by NCDOT Safety and Loss Control, (919) 733-2520.

	Visible sweating
	Increased heart rate
	Clumsiness and confusion
	Unexplained irritability
	“Feeling kind of funny”

	Fatigue
	Weakness
	Blurred vision
	Dizziness, headache
	Loss of body water and salts

	Get acclimated - get used to the heat; always reacclimatize yourself after a vacation or returning from sick leave.
	Stay conditioned - proper sleep, exercising and healthy eating habits will help.
	If you have medical problems (high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke), consult with your physician about heat exposure.

	DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS. Lots of cool water is best. Try to avoid carbonated drinks as they can cause cramps.
	AVOID ALCOHOL. These liquids can dehydrate your body.
	PLAN YOUR ACTIVITIES. Save the most strenuous work for the cooler parts of the day.
	STAY COOL. When hot, look for a cool spot. (Shady areas, air conditioned areas, etc.)
	DRESS COOL. Wear loose-weave, cotton fabrics that allow your body to breathe.
	REST OFTEN. Get sufficient rest, sleep and nutrition. Get in shape.