Safety Matters

If you work outside on a hot, sunny day, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun. Here are some tips on recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and on getting help when you notice them.

Protect yourself from too much sun:

• Wear a hat and light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and pants• Put on sunscreen before going out and re-apply it often
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes

Stay cool in the heat:

• Wear ‘breathable” cotton fabrics
• Drink LOTS of fluids; at least a cup every half hour when it’s really hot
• Alternate between water and sports drinks (isotonic fluids)
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine – they dry you out

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Cold/wet (clammy) grayish skin or disorientation

• Chills
• Irritability and restlessness
• Convulsions or rapid shallow breathing
• Disorientation or euphoria
• Red face and skin
• Dry skin
• Fainting

Get help if you think you have heat exhaustion or stroke

• Get medical help. Contact the first aid attendant or call 911 if it seems serious
• Get out of the heat
• Lie on your back with your feet up
• Cool down with the help of wet cloths, alcohol wipes or immersion into tepid water
• Replenish fluids; drink water and sport drinks (isotonic fluids)
• Get rest. Recovery may take days

For more information see the WorkSafeBC publication “Preventing Heat Stress at Work” at www.worksafebc.com.