UNITED INDUSTRIAL SERVICES CO.

LLC

Heat Illness Prevention

Heat Illness is dangerous and uncomfortable. Heat illness will affect
your concentration, thinking, blood pressure and performance.

It is important to note that workers who work under the sun,

especially in the summer, may be exposed to many occupational
illnesses and injuries.

Heat stress can lead to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, fainting, cramps and rashes. High temperatures
can also lead to injuries among workers through sweating hands and dizziness.

Heat-related Illnesses
Heat stroke, the
most serious form Oman temperature index
of heat-related • High temps May, June, July
illness, happens when the body
• High humidity Jul, Aug, Sep
becomes unable to regulate its
core temperature. Sweating
stops and the body can no
longer rid itself of excess heat.
Signs include confusion, loss of
consciousness, and seizures.

Heat exhaustion is the body's response to loss of water and salt from heavy
sweating.
Signs include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, and heavy
sweating.

Heat cramps are caused by the loss of body salts and fluid during sweating. Low
salt levels in muscles cause painful cramps. Tired muscles—those used for
performing the work—are usually the ones most affected by cramps. Cramps may
occur during or after working hours.

Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, is skin irritation caused by sweat that
does not evaporate from the skin. Heat rash is the most common problem in
hot work environments.
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Hydration
Body is made of 75% water. The
body will stop perspiring when it is
not properly hydrated.

Dehydration = the loss of fluids for normal

body functioning.
Your sweat exceeds your body’s thirst

Urine color
Mild dehydration can impact performance, blood pressure and
thinking

Accidents due to working in extreme

heat
Decreases strength, increases fatigue
Reduces ability to understand
Take short cuts/not following safe procedures
Sweaty hands drop tools, and fogged-up glasses cause trips

Heat Illness First Aid Response

Call Supervisor
Move person to a cool location
Loosen/remove clothing, Remove shoes
Apply cool packs with a sponge or wet towel
Get Medical help immediately

Maintaining Hydration
Suggested: 500ml water - before work, & after lunch (with 2 bread/crackers/rice to help absorb
water)
120ml cups during work day (sip slowly – Don’t overload body)
Overall intake = 5 – 8 liters (Not more than 12 liters)
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Controls
Employees should avoid exposure to extreme heat, sun
exposure, and high humidity when possible.
Gradually build up to heavy work.
Use relief employees or assign extra employees for physically
demanding jobs.
Take breaks in extreme heat and humidity.
Drink water frequently.
 UNITED INDUSTRIAL SERVICES CO. LLC
Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts
of sugar. Monitor employees who are at risk of heat
stress.
Monitor your physical condition and that of your co-workers.
Ventilate the work location. Provide fans as
adequate Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting,
breathable clothing. Ensure good nutrition
and rest.

Keep your skin clean.

Don’t uncover large parts of your body, even if you
feel warm.
Use balaclava/ dust hood but tuck it in.
Pair up and watch a co-worker for signs
of heat exhaustion (buddy system).
Talk to your buddy during the work shift
to make sure everything is okay.

If you, or your buddy feels woozy get into shade and cool down!
Use and Maintain clean water cooling stations.

DON’T TAKE HEAVY MEAL, SOFTDRINKS

OR COFFEE BEFORE AND
DURING WORK PERIOD