Protecting Workers in the Summer Heat | Teems Electric

The temperatures are heating up, and our team at Teems Electric understands the importance of protecting employees’ health while they’re working outdoors. Heat-related illnesses are a danger during the summer months, and it’s important to know—and react to—their symptoms. Read on to learn more.

Understanding Heat-related Illnesses

There are three significant types of heat-related illness:

• Heat cramps
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat stroke

While each of these heat-related illnesses have symptoms in common, there are some differences that can help you tell which one is which and how you can prevent the condition from occurring.

For example, heat exhaustion happens when a person loses a lot of water and salt due to sweating. This happens mostly when people are working hard at their job in the heat or exercising. As a result, it’s important to take breaks and continually drink water to remain hydrated, as well as spend time in a cooler area to allow the body to cool down.

Another medical issue that can arise is heat cramps, which mostly occur due to heavy exertion. This heat-related illness, which causes muscle spasms, occurs when the body loses salt and water through activity. Resting in a cool place and drinking a beverage that contains electrolytes can help to replenish those nutrients and cool the body down in order to best recover.

Finally, heat stroke, which is the most serious of the heat-related illnesses, takes place when your body is no longer able to cool itself. Symptoms of heat stroke can include a throbbing headache, dizziness, red skin, muscle cramps, nausea, rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing, among other symptoms. If any of these symptoms occur, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Our team handles the heat inside and outside so that you don’t have to! Give Teems Electric a call today to learn how we can help tackle any job your business needs. From HVAC to automation, we have you covered!