Transcript Document
June, July & August The summer months will present a different hazard into the work environment – hyperthermia and dehydration. • What can we do proactively to prevent hyperthermia? • What about dehydration? There are different stages of heat related illnesses. Order of Severity: (starting with the least severe) Sunburn Heat Cramps Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke Sunburns Symptoms: • redness and pain to the skin, possible swelling, blisters, fever, and headaches. What to do: • (before) Take a shower using mild soap to remove oils that may block the pores, which may prevent the body from cooling naturally. •(after) If blisters occur, apply dry sterile dressing and visit your doctor. Heat Cramps Symptoms: • painful spasms usually in the legs and abdominal muscles. Heavy sweating. What to do: • massage to relieve the spasms and drink water, but discontinue if nausea occurs. Heat Exhaustion Symptoms: • heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold pale and clammy. Weak Pulse. Normal body temperature is possible. Fainting and vomiting is also possible. What to do: • get victim in a cool place, loosen clothing, apply ice packs or wet cloths, fan or move victim to an air-conditioned room. Give sips of water, but discontinue if nausea occurs. If vomiting occurs seek immediate medical attention. Take a shower using mild soap to remove oils that may block the pores, which may prevent the body from cooling naturally. If blisters occur, apply dry sterile dressing and visit your doctor. Heat Stroke Symptoms: • high body temp (106 +), hot dry skin (unable to sweat), rapid strong pulse, possibly unconscious. What to do: • This is a severe medical emergency, call 911, delay can be fatal. Move victim to cool environment and begin cooling him off with ice packs, wet cloths, fanning or air-condition. -Is the inability of the human body to rid itself of excessive heat. Contributing Factors of Heat Stress: • Dehydration • High Temperature • Obesity • Fatigue • Drug or Alcohol Use • Poor Conditioning • No Acclimatization • Work Procedures • Age (>40) • Lack of Sleep • Diarrhea • Skin Trauma Signs of Heat Stress: • Heat Exhaustion- Heavy sweating, low blood pressure, increased body temperature, high pulse rate, pale face, intense thirst and fatigue. • Heat Stroke- High body temperature, absence of sweating, hot dry skin, rapid pulse, difficult breathing, high blood pressure, headache or dizziness, nausea or vomiting, erratic behavior and extreme weakness. Prevention of Heat Stress: • Drink plenty of water • Worker Training/Awareness • Take Breaks • Use CAUTION with FRC’s • Eat light meals, minimize fat intake • Wear light clothing, light colors • If possible, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day HUH??? Who’s gone? Who’s leaving? • Don’t plan vacations at the last minute. • Keep your mind focused on work not your vacation. • Develop a vacation plan within teams and contractors. Who’s backfilling? According to this notice, my vacation starts now. • Is relief personnel competent? • Is there adequate relief personnel? • Is the relief personnel overloaded? • Can the job wait? Plan Ahead!!! Increased activity Drive right for the conditions, watch your speed, look out for other drivers, slow down on dirt roads, buckle up, stay alert and STOP to talk. Watch for SLOW moving farm equipment. GIVE’EM A BRAKE! Be aware of increased road construction. Ensure your vehicle is fit for purpose, inspected and confirmed to be in safe working order. School buses are parked and school children are out and about for the summer. Be cautious around cool shady areas on hot summer days. Be cautious as you move around on warm summer nights. Be cautious in low traffic areas: tall grass, weeds, brush and around items that snakes can get under. Be careful when opening lids & doors. Be careful putting your hands under objects. • Summer Help • Young and inexperienced people entering the workforce • Reorganizing workforces (new jobs, moving into area, etc.) • Short Service Employees (SSE) require mentors 1:1 Mentor/Worker Ratio BE ON THE OUT! Remember, once a HAZARD has been overlooked and caused injury, it’s too late to think about what should have been done! STOP before proceeding with any job task or anytime the scope changes. THINK about what you are going to do? What are the hazards associated with the job task? PLAN the job steps. How will you mitigate the hazards? What resources are needed? Can the job be done safely? GO ahead and do the job - SAFELY! Just keep things in perspective….