The months of June and July have been pretty hot and humid so far this summer season. When the heat index rises and counties are put under heat advisories and warnings, it’s extremely important to take caution when working in the high temperatures. In order to prevent heat illness, you need to first recognize what they are. The four known illnesses that are brought on by excessive heat are:
- Heat Rash- The least threatening of the heat illnesses, this skin irritation is brought on by excessive sweat that has yet to evaporate from the skin.
- Heat Cramps- Muscles that have lost salt and water from excessive sweating will become cramped either during or after work.
- Heat Exhaustion- When your body has lost salt and water from excessive sweating; you begin to feel nauseas, dizzy, thirsty, and irritable. A headache can occur along with weakness.
- Heat Stroke- The most threatening of the heat illnesses, heat stroke will occur when the body is unable to balance its core temperature, resulting in confusion, seizures, and the loss of consciousness. If you believe a coworker is experiencing heat stroke, it is highly advised that 911 should be called.
While driving a truck may seem harmless enough, truck drivers are still vulnerable to heat illness. To prevent such illnesses while driving, there are a few steps you can take:
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid liquids with alcohol and sugar
- Take advantage of available air conditioning units
- Wear clothing that is loose fitting and light colored
- Do not remain in a vehicle that is turned off
- Park trucks in shady areas if possible
At Evan Transportation, we focus on the safety of our drivers. We make sure our drivers are trained in proper safety procedures to ensure they arrive safely to their destinations. Our drivers have years of trucking experience which allows them to know the industry and remain safe while on the job.
Evan Transportation is a Baltimore-based transportation company that also specializes in A-1 Trailer and Container services for the Mid-Atlantic region. To get started with Evan Transportation, call us today at 443.673.3365 or visit our contact page.
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Sources:
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/heat_illnesses.html
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.asp
*The writer of this article is not a medical professional. Information contained herein has been collected from sources believed to be reliable, and every precaution has been taken to ensure its accuracy. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care.