With headlines about record-setting high temperatures dominating the news this summer, Alamon’s Safety Team has been providing guidance to our field crews about dealing with and protecting themselves from the heat.

Heat-related illnesses are nothing to take lightly, and can be life threatening. Educate and prepare yourself when your workday involves working in extreme heat.

Preventing Heat Illness

• Drink plenty of cold water or electrolyte sports drinks.
• Take frequent breaks from work in a cool environment including air conditioned buildings or shaded areas.
• Do most strenuous work activities during cooler parts of the day, such as in the morning.
• Make sure employees are properly acclimated to warmer climates.
• Avoid caffeinated drinks because they can dehydrate the body.
• Work with someone else in order to look for signs of heat illness in each other.
• Wear light colored breathable clothing if PPE permits.

Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke

Heat Exhaustion

• Symptoms: Fatigue, profuse sweating, muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness

First Aid: Affected individual must rest in a cool, shaded or air conditioned area. Cool her/him by fanning, misting or applying ice packs. If the individual is conscious, give cool water.

Heat Stroke

• Symptoms: High body temperature (over 104° F), hot dry skin, nausea, headaches, confusion and possible unconsciousness.
• First Aid: Heat stroke is life threatening. Call 911 immediately. Begin cooling measures while waiting for medical personnel.