OH&SS 1

It’s not obvious to a person passing through the workplace that there is a risk of….

HEAT STRESS

Occupational Health & Safety SectionDEWA

OH&SS 2

Three Main Ailments Associated With Heat Stress

• Heat Cramps• Heat Exhaustions• Heat Stroke

OH&SS 3

Heat Cramps

• Heat Cramps are the least serious form of heat stress caused by sweating, resulting in the loss of water and minerals from the body. This imbalance may cause muscles to cramp.

• Symptoms:– Excessive sweating– Muscular pain and spasm– Mild dizziness or weakness– Inflamed or red bumps on skin and a

rash

OH&SS 4

Treatment:- Rest in a cool or shady area- Give plenty of water- Use a warm moist compress to

the affected area

OH&SS 5

Heat Exhaustion

Excessive sweating due to the hot environment or strenuous physical activity that causes strain on the cardio-muscular systemSymptoms* Excessive sweating* Cold, pale skin* Raging thirst, nausea* Headache, dizziness* Sometimes may also collapse

OH&SS 6

Treatment

• Rest in cool or shady area• Give water to drink• Cool compress on the forehead• Seek medical attention

OH&SS 7

Heat Stroke

• It is more serious than the other heat stresses & is a life threatening condition. The blood flow & sweat can’t cool the body. This affects vital organs including heart & brain.

• Symptoms: * Lack of sweating, hot, dry flushed skin* Deep, rapid breathing & rapid pulse* Headache, nausea possibly vomiting* Loss of consciousness* Sometimes convulsions

OH&SS 8

Treatment

‣ Get medical assistance immediately‣ Rest in a cool or shady area‣ Remove outer clothing

‣ Give cold compress or water down the back to reduce the body temperature

‣ Increase air movement around the patient

‣ Give water if conscious

OH&SS 9

Heat Stress Can Cause Safety Problems

‣ Affects your coordination‣ Lessens your

concentration‣ Reduces your strength

and alertness‣ Makes you irritable

OH&SS 10

How To Avoid It ?• Start site work early in the morning• Frequent rest break may be considered• Provide cool drinking water at site and

advise the workers to drink a cup of water every 20 minutes and so.

• Sweet drink such as canned soft drink should be avoided as these increase fluid loss.

• Sunscreen, protected clothing, ultraviolet-protected sunglasses and skin lotions are all recommended.

OH&SS 11

. Use salt, unless you have heart or circulatory ailment

. Eat light, nutritious meals

. On complete sweating, change the inner wear, if possible.

. Pace yourself about the work

. Avoid assigning outdoor job to the one who has recently resumed duty after sick leave.

OH&SS 12

• Ensure that ambulance is readily available in the construction site.

• Supervisors need to continuously and closely monitor for any symptom of heat stress among the staff.

• Departments need to carry out Risk Assessment for the activities exposed to high temperature and humid condition.

• Tool Box Talk to be conducted to train the staff to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress.

OH&SS 13

So, avoid heat stress this summer !

OH&SS 14

Occupational Health & Safety Regulations

• Local Order No. 61 of 1991.The order obligates the employer to:

Advise a worker of the existence of a potential or actual danger to his health or safety of which the supervisor is aware of, to take

precautions.

Provide a worker with written instructions as to the measure and procedures to be taken for protection of the worker from any potential occupational illness or work accident.

Occupational Health & Safety SectionDubai Electricity & Water Authority