Connecticut State Department of Public Health

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Press Releases

08/11/2021

Connecticut DPH Reminds Workers To Take Necessary Precautions During Current August Heat Wave

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 11, 2021

CONTACT: Chris Boyle, Director of Communications

                       (860) 706-9654 – christopher.boyle@ct.gov

  

Connecticut Department Of Public Health Reminds Workers

To Take Necessary Precautions During Current August Heat Wave

  

HARTFORD, Conn.-- With temperatures anticipated to approach 100 degrees over the next few days, the Connecticut Department of Public Health is reminding individuals working outside or in non-air-conditioned spaces to be cautious during periods of intense heat during the day. 

  

Workers should stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in cooler air-conditioned/shaded areas, and limit the time spent in the direct sun. In addition, employers are urged to move more physical tasks to the morning or evening, when the sun is less intense and temperatures are cooler. If a worker experiences heat stress, call for medical assistance immediately.

  

Although anyone can be affected by heat stress, some workers are at particularly high risk, such as:

  • Older workers (over 65 years of age) who may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature.

  • Workers performing frequent high-exertion tasks (lifting, digging, walking) who may become dehydrated quickly and experience more intense heat stress.

  • Workers who have underlying health conditions, especially heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, or who take certain medications that put them at risk.

 

If you feel ill working in the heat, notify a coworker and take immediate steps to:

  

Stay Cool

Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness

  • Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must work outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the mornings and evenings

  • Avoid working in direct sunlight and wear lightweight, light-colored, and moisture-wicking clothing

  • Check often on all workers, especially those workers most at risk

 

Stay Hydrated

Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat.

  • Drink more water than usual; do not wait until you are thirsty to drink more liquids.

  • Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.

  • Drink about four cups of water every hour while working outside.

  • Remind other workers to drink enough water.

  

For more information about steps that employers and workers can take to reduce the risk of heat-related illness, contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Occupational Health Program at (860) 509-7740 or email at dph.occhealth@ct.gov.

 

 

Published by: Heather Trabal, MD

heather.trabal@ct.gov