With temperatures anticipated to peak well into the 90’s during the next several days, the State Department of Public Health (DPH) urges workers to be cautious during periods of intense heat. In 2013, the last year for which statistics are available, there were 56 work-related emergency department visits to Connecticut’s hospitals for heat-related events.
DPH is reminding workers employed in Connecticut to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses due to the very warm temperatures expected this weekend and into next week:
Stay Cool - Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
? Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must work outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the mornings and evenings.
? Avoid working in direct sunlight and wear lightweight light-colored clothing.
? Check on all workers often, especially those workers most at risk.
Stay Hydrated - Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat.
? Drink more water than usual; do not wait until you are thirsty to drink more liquids.
? Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
? Drink about four cups of water every hour while working outside.
? Remind other workers to drink enough water.
Call 911 immediately to seek medical treatment if a worker experiences heat stress
Although anyone can be affected from heat-stress, some workers are at a particularly higher risk than other workers such as older workers, overweight worker, and workers who are overexerting themselves and workers who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications that put them at risk.
For information on Heat Stress and Heat Related Illnesses, visit the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Web site at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html
For information on prevention and preparing for Extreme Heat, visit CDC the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site at http://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2016/05/23/extreme-heat/