Temperatures could affect health

With average temperatures this week rising above the ninety degree mark, it's a good idea for area residents to be diligent about their health both at home and on the job.

Temperatures in the Sidney area are forecast to hit highs in the upper-eighties to mid-nineties, and according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA) working in full sunlight can increase heat index values by 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heat related illnesses could occur after long exposure to high temperatures. When you work in the sun exposure to these high temperatures may be unavoidable, education and prevention are some of the best ways to beat the summer heat.

According to a publication put out by the University of Nebraska Lincoln(UNL), working in the heat stresses the body and can lead to illness or even death in severe cases. Exposure to heat can also increase the risk of other injuries because of sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, dizziness, and burns from hot surfaces. Every year thousands of workers become sick from heat exposure and a number of workers die.

The UNL publication states, there are factors that may increase or decease the likelihood of a heat related illness, high temperature, high humidity, direct sunlight and low wind speed make the worst combination. The risk of heat stress increases with physical demands. A worker who is lifting and carrying heavy items is at the greatest risk. Older workers, obese workers, and persons taking certain types of medication, such as antihistamines, are at a greater risk for a heat related illness.

Human Resource Manager for Bell Lumber and Pole, Shirley Lennox said, "on top of heat training, when it gets really hot we provide five gallon jugs with water and Gatorade packets for re-hydration and electrolytes."

Under OSHA law, employers are responsible for providing workplaces free of known safety hazards. This includes protecting workers from extreme heat. An employer with workers exposed to high temperatures should establish a complete heat illness prevention program, providing workers with water, rest and shade, build a tolerance to heat for new or returning workers, and monitor workers for signs of illness.

Dennis Wamsley,Wamsley Construction said, he has not seen any cases of heat illness this year. He said the company keeps fluids on site for the crew and also makes sure they take breaks.

According to OSHA, signs of heat exhaustion are: dizziness, headache, sweaty skin, weakness, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate. Signs of heat stroke: Red, hot, or dry skin, high temperature, confusion, convulsions and fainting.

Tom Von Seggern, park superintendent for the City of Sidney said, "we try to start early. We get going around six a.m. and we try to be done before the afternoon heat hits around three or four."

"We haven't had an issue yet, but we do have a protocol in case it does," Von Seggern said.

A workplace is not the only place heat can be a health issue, any outdoor activity even yard work can put a strain on the body in high heat and cause illness.

Prevention can make the difference in summer heat. The UNL publication on heat stress lists ways to avoid heat related illness.

Acclimating yourself to the heat by gradually increasing exposure time and work. Wearing appropriate clothing, like light loose clothes and a hat. Staying hydrated, a person can pre-hydrate by drinking six to eight ounces of water before working in the heat, and about 8 ounces every fifteen to twenty minutes while exposed to high temperatures. Avoiding alcohol, coffee tea and soda that act as diuretics and further dehydrate the body. Adequate rest periods in cool shaded areas. Job rotation, when possible rotate difficult work tasks in hot conditions between employees. And finally education, to avoid permanent aftereffects people should recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and the proper actions to take.

OSHA developed a heat safety smartphone application to aid in the fight against heat related illness. The App allows workers and supervisors to calculate the heat index for their worksite, and, based on the heat index, displays a risk level to outdoor workers. Then, with a simple "click," you can get reminders about the protective measures that should be taken at that risk level to protect workers or yourself from heat-related illness.

For more questions about workplace safety visit http://www.osha.gov/workers or call OSHA at 1-800-321-6742.