Heat Stress Symptoms and Prevention
Heat stress can manifest in several ways, including heat rash, heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Each condition has unique signs, symptoms, and treatment protocols. This course covers how to recognize heat-related illnesses and take appropriate actions, from simple corrective measures to seeking medical help when necessary.
Request a demoCourse Details
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify the forms of heat stress
- Define the symptoms for each form of heat stress
- Describe how to determine the risk of heat stress
- List methods to reduce the risk of heat stress
- Describe treatments for persons showing symptoms of heat stress
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English, French, Spanish |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive |
| Based on: |
|
Key Questions
Employees should receive comprehensive training that covers the causes, symptoms, and prevention techniques for all forms of heat stress. This should include OSHA heat illness prevention strategies to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
What is heat rash?Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, occurs when sweat is trapped against the skin due to restrictive clothing, particularly in areas like the neck, chest, groin, and elbow creases. It’s not serious unless widespread or infected.
What are heat cramps?Heat cramps are painful muscle contractions caused by heavy sweating and an imbalance of sodium and electrolytes in the body during intense physical labor in hot conditions.
What is heat syncope?Heat syncope, or heat collapse, happens when blood pools in the extremities, leading to reduced oxygen to the brain, often triggered by sudden changes in posture and exacerbated by dehydration.
What is heat exhaustion?Heat exhaustion occurs when the body’s core temperature exceeds 100.4 °F due to high temperatures and dehydration from excessive sweating, leading to symptoms like weakness, dizziness, and nausea.
What is heat stroke?Heat stroke is a severe heat-related condition where the body loses its ability to regulate temperature, potentially reaching 104 °F or higher, requiring immediate emergency medical attention.
What are some engineering controls to reduce the risk of heat stress?Engineering controls include ventilation, air cooling, shielding, insulation, and ensuring proper hydration and clothing.
Sample Video Transcript
To treat heat exhaustion, act immediately to prevent heat stroke from occurring. Stop working and move to a cooler place. Drink fluids like water or a sports beverage. Take a cool shower or bath. And rest for a few hours.
Additional Resources
- U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) – www.osha.gov
- OSHA Safety and Health Topics – www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/index.html
- OSHA Training Publications Quick Card – www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3154.pdf
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – www.cdc.gov/niosh/
- NIOSH Workplace Safety & Health Topics – www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/
Course Applies To
Demos + Pricing
Learn more about our courses, get pricing, and see our platform.
