It can include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat rash or heat stroke. Each produces bodily symptoms that can range from profuse sweating to dizziness to cessation of sweating and collapse. Heat stress can be induced by high temperatures, heavy work loads, the type of clothing being worn, etc. It is important to know the signs of heat stress and the proper first aid to treat it. The signs of heat stress are often overlooked by the victim.
Some employees are more likely to have heat disorders than others.
Younger employees and those more physically fit are often less likely to have problems. Employees with heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes and those on medications are more likely to experience heat stress problems. Diet pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, caffeinated drinks and excessive alcohol consumption can all exacerbate heat stress effects. It often takes two to three weeks for employees to become acclimated to a hot environment. This acclimation can subsequently be lost in only a few days away from the heat.