HARTFORD, Conn.—With temperatures anticipated in the mid-90s with high humidity next week, Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Manisha Juthani 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 time spent in 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. Heat-related illnesses are serious. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics from 1992 to 2022, heat claimed the lives of an average of 34 U.S. workers annually.
"Temperatures are rising, and it's critical to be prepared for the many associated health dangers, especially ahead of the first heat wave as our bodies adjust to the highest temperatures of the year so far," said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D. "Extreme heat can cause people to suffer from heat-related illness, and even death. People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to properly cool themselves, so do your part to ensure that you and the people around you stay cool and hydrated this season."
According to the CDC, more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, and headache. A heat stroke will often come with high body temperature, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness and is an emergency. If you or anyone around you is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical care.
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:
- Workers aged 65 and older 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 (lifting, digging, walking) who may become dehydrated quickly and experience more intense heat stress.
- Workers with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, those with higher body weight, or those taking certain medications
Follow the steps below to stay cool and hydrated while working in the heat.
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 on all workers often, especially those workers most at risk.
- If you feel off or sick working in the heat notify a co-worker and stop working!
Stay hydrated. Your body loses fluids through sweat; therefore, you can become dehydrated quickly in the extreme heat:
- Drink more water than usual; do not wait until you are thirsty to drink more liquids.
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
- Drink around 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 dph.occhealth@ct.gov.
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