Resources for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

CAL/OSHA Gives Workers Tips To Beat Heat

cbs5.com

As the month of August heats up, the California Division of Occupational Safety & Health Administration is urging those working in hot conditions to take precautions against heat illness, a condition that could cause cramping, exhaustion, fainting and stroke.

"Just a (two-degree) increase in normal body temperature can affect mental performance and an increase of (five degrees) can result in serious illness or death," said Len Welsh, acting chief of Cal/OSHA. "It is important for those who work under hot conditions to know how to protect themselves from this under-recognized hazard."

Cal/OSHA said a worker experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea or muscle spasms should report to a supervisor or co-worker.

Employees who have health problems or a medical condition that reduces tolerance to heat, such as diabetes, need to be extra vigilant, CAL/OSHA said. Some high blood pressure and anti-inflammatory medications can also increase the risk for heat illness.

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