Are you handling your construction project during the summer? If yes, you should know the dangers to be wary of. In most cases, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the major dangers to be wary about. These can be serious conditions that shouldn’t be underestimated because of their health consequences on workers.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke occurs because of the body exposure to very high temperatures to a level where the mechanism that the body uses to regulate temperature naturally fails. This leads to consciousness loss or fever. Heat stroke can simply be described as overheating of the body and it is unable to cool down the way it does normally.
Heat stroke symptoms include:
- Red skin
- Headaches
- Core temperature hits 104 degrees Fahrenheit and above
- Agitation, confusion, delirium, and slurred speech
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased heart rate
If a construction worker shows these symptoms of heat stroke, immediate action should be taken. That’s because heat stroke will damage the brain, muscles, heart, and kidneys if not controlled. It can also cause death.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can be described as a milder form of heat stroke. This occurs when the body becomes overheated to a level where it cannot cool down. But, heat exhaustion has less severe symptoms. The risk of heat stroke is also not very high. But, this condition should not be dismissed as a non-threat because it can easily become heat stroke.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Headaches
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Dizziness, fatigue, and fainting
- Intense sweating
- Cool skin and goosebumps
If a construction worker exhibits any of these symptoms, immediate action should be taken. This will prevent the condition from inhibiting their performance at work or even leading to death.