Train the employees on potential dangers of working in a heated environment and what signs are common before suffering from a heat-related condition. Heat stress, stroke, rash, cramps, exhaustion and fatigue are common ailments caused from prolonged heat exposure. Other dangers exist stemming from sweating. Sweat on the floor or on a worker's palms may cause slippage of equipment or while walking and cause critical falls or accidents. Safety glasses' surfaces may fog and cause an employee to be unaware of what he is touching and may cause severe burns.
Although the human body is, over time, able to adjust to higher temperatures, the longer the employee is exposed, the less likely he is to suffer from a heat-related condition because the body compensates by sweating more. An adjustment period is necessary for new employees while the body begins to comply with the hot temperatures. Wearing protective clothing, drinking water to reduce the likelihood of dehydration and providing rest areas for employees are preventative measures that can be taken to alleviate heat stress.
Train employees on what to do and what to look for with heat-related stress so that they may help one another in the field or the workplace. Heat stroke, for example, is a potentially fatal condition if not treated right away and may be visually noticed by the lack of sweat, mental confusion, loss of consciousness, body temperature over 106 degrees F, and skin that appears blue, red or mottled. To assist an employee suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately, move the person to a cooler area or a cool bath, moisten the skin with lukewarm water and direct a fan in his direction and, when able to tolerate it, give him cool water by mouth.
As of 2011, 25 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have adopted OSHA-approved plans to prevent and overcome heat stress in the workplace. These plans are posted on the OSHA website and suggest regulations that employees and companies may integrate related to heated work environments. Meet with employees to educate them on becoming and remaining compliant with OSHA regulations. See the Resources section for more information and the link to suggested regulations in various industries.