b'Top Five Heat-Related Illnessesaction plan for severe workplace injuries, which includes calling 911 immediately. Employees should be immersed in ice or cold water, apply-As weather warms up, the risk of heat-relateding towels to the head, trunk, extremities and illnesses increases for outdoor workers.groin. Heat stroke can lead to significant or permanent damage to vital organs or death ifConstruction Executive lists the following fivevictims are not treated immediately. most common heat-related illnesses in construction and how to treat them. There are steps employers can take to help ensure their workers do not experience heat-related illness, 1.Heat rash is a skin irritation resulting from including gradually acclimating employees toexcessive sweating, especially when exposed toextreme heat; ensuring workers drink adequatehot, humid conditions for prolonged periods.fluids, such as water and sports drinks; havingEmployees should keep the affected areas dryemployees work shorter shifts; making sure workers and wear breathable fabrics.take frequent breaks; and offering air-conditioned areas when possible. It also is key your company has 2.Heat cramps are caused by fluid or salt a heat response plan in place to help prevent heat-depletion after rigorous physical activity in therelated illness and react quickly to a heat-relatedheat. Employees should replenish with saltyillness emergency. foods and water or electrolytes. The Occupational Safety and Heath Administra-3.Heat syncope is a collapsing or fainting episodetions Heat Illness Prevention page offers resources that occurs when the body does not acclimateto help you protect your workers. to extreme heat. Inadequate fluid replacement can cause dehydration, which typically resolves after a period of rehydration and rest.Employees also should lie flat on their back and elevate their feet; seek emergency medical attention if necessary.4.Heat exhaustion is a precursor to heat stroke and can be the bodys response to excessive loss of water and salt; it can be triggered by physical exertion and limited physical activity and could be accompanied by extreme sweat-ing. Employers should act immediately because heat exhaustion quickly can become heat stroke. Take employees to a cool environment; treat them with ice packs and cool water/electrolyte drinks; and seek medicalattention. If employees become confused or irrational, call 911.5.Heat stroke is a serious, life-threateningcondition that occurs when the core bodytemperature reaches 104 F. Look for symptoms such as loss of consciousness, slurred speech, confusion, seizures and profuse sweating. Employers should deploy their emergency6'