Working in summer heat requires water, pacing

When the day is hot, it’s time to take precautions at work.

Though heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, heat led to 37 work-related deaths and 2,830 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses involving days away from work in 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Muggy or humid conditions add to discomfort. Excessively hot and dry conditions can create a more dangerous situation.

The CDC recommends:
* Drink plenty of fluids regardless of your activity level. During heavy work in a hot environment or strenuous activity of any kind, drink two to four glasses of cool fluids each hour. Don’t drink alcohol, beverages with a high sugar content or very cold drinks.

* Replace salt and minerals lost through sweating by drinking a sports beverage. Discuss beverages with your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet.

* Wear appropriate clothing. At home, wear as little as possible. When going out, choose light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.

* Wear shoes with soles sufficiently thick and insulating so burning hot pavement does not harm feet.

* Use sunscreen. Sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool itself. It causes a loss of body fluids, skin damage and pain. Apply a product rated SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before going out.

* Pace yourself. When working or playing sports in a hot environment, begin slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If your heart begins to pound and you begin gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Move to a cool area or at least into shade to rest, especially if you feel lightheaded or weak.

* Watch each other. When working in the heat, monitor the condition of co-workers and have them do the same for you. Be wary of confusion.

* Stay cool indoors. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a place that does. Even a few hours in air conditioning can help you stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

* Don’t depend on a fan to cool yourself. When the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Cool showers help.