With Summer starting on Saturday, heat and humidity can play a huge factor on people who work outdoors. While largely preventable, heat illness kills an average of more than 600 people each year according to the CDC. The overall public health impact is hard to estimate as heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion are not required to be reported to public health agencies.

While heat affects everyone, it can pose a danger to those who do physical labor in the heat and humidity, indoors or outdoors. Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related health problem and can be fatal if not recognized and treated quickly. 

Symptoms of heatstroke include confusion; high body temperature; hot, red, dry, or damp skin; fast, strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and loss of consciousness. If a worker shows signs of heatstroke call 9-1-1. Assist the victim to a shaded, cool place, and help lower their temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath.

Heatstroke gives plenty of warning signs including dizziness, nausea, headache, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, and weakness. There are certain factors that can make people more susceptible such as people over 65, people who are overweight, and people with underlying conditions. 

For more information on Illinois OSHA and what you can do to prevent heat injuries visit here or here