With temperatures rising, staying hydrated is important. Drink plenty of water – don’t wait until you get thirsty. Gatorade also helps achieve hydration and replaces electrolytes. Avoid or reduce the amount of caffeine drinks, coffee and energy drinks as these can lead to a quicker dehydrated state. Take additional breaks if needed. Be aware of your fellow workers, especially new team members who aren’t yet acclimated, as well as yourself.
Remember the water you drink today is for tomorrow
Plan ahead for a safe and productive shift. Identify cool/shaded locations for breaks. Schedule manual tasks as early as possible. Set up fans and/or misters where possible. Wear loose, lightweight, long-sleeved clothing. The FCX Heat Stress Guidance Document contains additional helpful advice.
Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion:
Headache | Nausea or vomiting |
Faintness or dizziness | Weakness or fatigue |
Irritability | Thirst |
Heavy sweating | Elevated body temperature |
Decreased urine output | |
If you or a co-worker shows symptoms of a heat exhaustion, follow these guidelines:
- If in the field, activate a “mayday call.”
- If in the townsite, call 911.
Until help arrives, do the following:
- Someone should stay with worker until help arrives.
- Remove worker from hot area and give liquids to drink.
- Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks.
- Cool the worker with cold compresses or have the worker wash head, face, and neck with cold water.
- Encourage frequent sips of cool water.
Stay hydrated and watch out for each other.
