Creating workplaces where we all watch out for each other

Creating workplaces where we all watch out for each other

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Heat Stress – Health Alert

Heat stress is a significant concern for miners, especially during the warmer months. Whether working in surface or underground mining, exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses such as rashes, cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, which can be fatal.

Temperature gauge for NWS Heat Index in proportion to Relative Humidity %

Symptoms of Heat Stress:

  • Skin is hot, usually dry, red or spotted.
  • Body temperature is over 103˚ F.
  • Victim may be confused. The face may be pale or flushed.
  • Losing consciousness (passing out)
  • Muscle cramps from loss of sodium.

Treat Symptoms:

DO:

+  Move the miner to a cool place.    
+  Apply cool wet cloths.    
+  Give water if victim is awake.    
+  Seek medical attention if there is no improvement.

DO NOT:

–  Apply ice directly to the skin. 
–  Leave the miner alone.  
–  Allow the miner to become so cold that shivering develops.   
 

Heat Stress Prevention:

  • Acclimatization: Miners should gradually adapt to the heat by spending increasing amounts of time in hot environments.
     
  • Hydration: Proper hydration is crucial. Encourage frequent water intake.
     
  • Work/Rest Cycles: Implement regular breaks to allow miners to cool down.
     
  • Monitoring: Keep a close eye on miners’ well-being.
     
  • Personal Protective Equipment: Provide appropriate gear to minimize heat exposer.

    Excessive Heat Warring

Go To the Heat Safety Tool App at OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App | NIOSH | CDC


McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.

Original article published by MSHA

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