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AECOM Heat-Related Illness Prevention 1.2 Identifying and Responding to Sign and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses Heat stress can be a significant field site hazard, particularly for non-acclimated personnel working in the desert. Site personnel must be instructed in the identification of heat-stress symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Employees are required to immediately report any signs of symptoms that they may experience or observe in fellow employees. The guidance below will be used in identifying and responding to heat-related illness. Any employee exhibiting a sign or symptom of a heat related illness shall receive appropriate first aid or medical care through the AECOM supervisor, and AECOM's Incident Reporting process. Table 1-3 Identification and Treatment of Heat-Related Illness Type of Heat- Description First Aid Related Illness 96%of the employees suffering from heat . Stop work, and move employee to shaded illnesses were dehydrated. rest/break area Dehydration results from in taking less water . Drink water, slowly and steadily than your body is using (sweating). Dehydration Dehydration results in reduce urine output, • Report to SSO, contact Safety dark colored urine, shriveled skin which Professional/WorkCare for guidance on fluid doesn't"bounce back"when pinched, intake and returning to work extreme thirst(not always), sleepiness, lack of sweat, dry skin, headache, constipation. Avoid working in hot, humid weather,wear loose clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton, use air conditioning,and keep the skin clean with frequent baths or showers to prevent sweat glands from becoming clogged.Change clothing that is wet or soiled. A heat rash occurs when sweat ducts become Heat rash can be treated by cleaning and cooling the clogged and the sweat can't get to the surface area with cool water,and applying an Heat Rash of the skin. Instead, it becomes trapped over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.There is risk beneath the skin's surface causing a mild of infection from heat rash, if sweat glands can inflammation or rash. become infected.The signs of infection include pain, increased swelling,and redness that does not resolve. Pustules may form at the site of the rash. This infection occurs because bacteria have invaded the blocked sweat gland.Antibiotic treatment may be required.Chronic and recurrent heat rash may need to be treated by a health care practitioner or dermatologist skin specialist). • Provide the victim with a work break during which The mildest form of heat-related illness. he/she may relax, remove any excess protective Victims exhibit irritability, lethargy, and clothing, and drink cool fluids. significant sweating.The victim may • If an air-conditioned spot is available, it is an Mild Heat Strain complain of headache or nausea,the initial ideal break location. stage of overheating, and prompt action at . Once the victim shows improvement, he/she may this point may prevent more severe heat- related illness from occurring. resume working; however,the work pace should be moderated to prevent recurrence of the symptoms. May 2015 Page 9 of 10