Nausea or a headache ensue. The skin is clammy, the complexion pale or flushed, and the body temperature is normal or slightly above normal. The victim should rest in a cool place and drink an electrolyte-containing beverage such as a thirst quencher. Severe cases may require medical supervision. Heat cramps result when workers drink large quantities of water but have not replenished their bodies' loss of salt.
Victims usually recover quickly after they lie down for a short time.
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, occurs in hot, humid environments, where sweat does not evaporate as readily. Acclimatization and Prevention Acclimatization is achieved by exposing the worker to heat first for short periods, then for longer periods. For all workers, frequent rest breaks and allowance for drinking plenty of water are recommended. Other preventive measures include ventilation, spot cooling, fans, shielding, protective clothing and personal cooling devices, and rescheduling work so the most strenuous tasks are performed during the cooler parts of the day. Perhaps most important to the level of stress are personal characteristics such as age, weight, fitness, medical condition, and acclimatization to the heat.