"That's Hot!".......But Not In A Good Way

Heat stress, and the most serious of all, heat stroke, are real concerns for utility line workers. Hot weather causes more fatalities than any other weather related source.

Utility linemen are generally required to wear flame resistant, long sleeve clothing, even during the hottest weather. Heat combined with bright sunlight and high humidity can quickly bring on serious heat related complications.

 

Here is what the CDC has to say about heat stroke:

 

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

 

Symptoms

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
• Hallucinations
• Chills
• Throbbing headache
• High body temperature
• Confusion/dizziness
• Slurred speech

First Aid

Take the following steps to treat a worker with heat stroke:

• Call 911 and notify their supervisor.
• Move the sick worker to a cool shaded area.
• Cool the worker using methods such as:
• Soaking their clothes with water.
• Spraying, sponging, or showering them with water.
• Fanning their body.

There is more information on the CDC web site here.

There are many products available to help workers stay safe and comfortable in hot weather. Some, like hard hat shields, and neck shades, help to block the sun’s rays. Other products can be soaked with water to provide evaporative cooling.

Drink plenty of liquids and take frequent breaks to help prevent overheating.

Ok people……COOL IT!