Heat Illness is one of the deadly dozen hazards our members face in the workplace and is part of the Iron Workers' 2019 ZERO Incident campaign. Machinery, engines and tools can easily overheat and we need to be aware that humans can overheat too.  Each year, members experience the symptoms of heat stress in the workplace on different levels and for a variety of reasons. The fact is that heat illness can be deadly and can affect members at any age. Thousands of workers in the construction industry become sick from exposure to heat, and some even die.  We need to know heat illnesses and deaths are preventable.

Who is affected by heat illness?

Any worker exposed to hot and humid conditions is at risk of heat illness, especially those doing the heavy work that many ironworking perform daily.  Some workers might be at greater risk than others if they have not built up a tolerance to hot conditions, including new workers, temporary workers or those returning to work after a week or more off. Others factors such as alcohol consumption the night before can be a contributing factor to dehydration that could result in heat stress or illness. In addition to these situations, ironworkers can also face many heat waves throughout year that creates more exposure to conditions resulting in higher cases of heat-related illnesses.

What is heat illness and how does it happen?

The body normally cools itself naturally by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating isn't enough. Body temperature can rise quickly to dangerous levels if precautions are not taken such as drinking water frequently and having access to shade or air conditioning. Heat illnesses range from heat rash and heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Muscle cramping might be the first sign of heat-related illness and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.  

Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention and can result in death.  The following are some of the common signs and symptoms heat stress that must be recognized.

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness
• Cold, pale, and clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting

The activity of decking installation can be much hotter due to the reflection of sun and heat from the metal decking. This is only one of many common work activities ironworkers perform that can produce much higher temperatures in full sun conditions and must be recognized.  The carrying and installation of rebar on decks and walls is hot and humid conditions is another common activity leading to heat stress and illnes

The following are common symptoms of heat stroke that can result in death.

• High body temperature (above 103°F)
• Hot, red, dry or moist skin
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Possible unconsciousness

How can heat illness be prevented?

Employers should establish a complete heat illness prevention program to prevent heat illness, including providing workers with water, shade; gradually increasing workloads and allowing more frequent breaks for new workers or workers who have been away for a week or more to build a tolerance for working in the heat (acclimatization); modifying work schedules as necessary; planning for emergencies and training workers about the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and their prevention; and monitoring workers for signs of illness. Workers new to the heat or those that have been away from work and are returning can be most vulnerable to heat stress and they must be acclimatized.  The following are some ways to help prevent heat-related illness and fatalities.

What you should do if you see a member with heat illness symptoms?