Knowing the Signs of Heat Stress
Summertime is upon us and so are the opportunities to experience
heat illnesses. Postal Service employees, like many others who work outdoors,
face various hazardous conditions while performing their daily duties. Heat-related
illnesses can strike anyone at any age.
It’s important to
know the signs of heat-related illnesses — acting quickly can prevent more
serious medical conditions. There are several types of heat illness, which
range in severity from more treatable to very serious and even
life-threatening. These include:
• Heat Rash occurs
when the skin's sweat glands are blocked and the sweat produced cannot get to
the surface of the skin to evaporate.
• Heat Cramps are
the intermittent, involuntary spasm of muscles that occur in an individual who
is physically active in hot or humid weather.
• Heat
Exhaustion is a more serious illness. Symptoms include headache, nausea,
dizziness, weakness, thirst, and heavy sweating.
• Heat Stroke is
the most serious heat-related illness and requires immediate medical attention.
Symptoms include confusion, fainting, seizures, very high body temperature and
hot, dry skin or profuse sweating.
If you experience
any of the symptoms listed above, get to a cool place, cease work and notify
your supervisor. For serious heat-related conditions, call 911 immediately to
obtain medical attention. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for your co-workers
and take steps to assist anyone you believe is experiencing a heat-related
illness. 
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