Medical

Protecting Employees From Heat Stroke

Excessive sweating, dizziness, confusion, headache, mild fever, and muscle cramps are all noticeable signs of heat stroke. Find out how UR.Life OHC can help keep employees healthy, safe, and productive during these hot months.

By URLife Team

13 Apr 2023

Summer is here once again, and the scorching afternoons that leave us with sweat dripping down our chins are undeniably unpleasant, particularly if you have to head to work in an office. Even travelling in the morning during the summer can be exhausting.

Heat stroke is a significant issue in tropical countries. With global warming, all of us have to deal with heat stress and its implications. It can cause more workers to suffer from heat cramps, exhaustion, or even untimely death from heat stroke in extreme cases. Around 75 per cent of India's workforce, which amounts to about 380 million people, are engaged in heat-exposed labour and are often required to work in extremely high temperatures, that can be life-threatening.

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Heat Stroke

This life-threatening condition occurs when the body overheats, with body temperature exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). Hyperthermia or heat stroke, which also goes by the name, sunstroke, is the most severe type of heat-related illness.

According to a 2022 study published in the Lancet, India has been subjected to more frequent and severe heat waves between the years 2000-2004 and 2017-2022. The study also revealed that in 2021, India experienced a 55 per cent surge in fatalities attributed to extreme heat. Furthermore, the fatality rate linked to high temperatures has risen by 66 per cent over the past two decades.

The World Meteorological Organization has predicted that in 2023, India may face a significant increase in meteorological droughts and heatwaves, resulting in temperatures rising as much as 8°C higher than the average. This alarming trend could cause more fatalities due to heat stroke, as people are likely to experience more extreme heat exposure.

What Causes Heatstroke

Heatstroke can occur when your body is unable to regulate its temperature. Your hypothalamus gland, a part of the brain that manages various bodily functions, including temperature, normally maintains your core body temperature at around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). However, if your body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate, your internal temperature can surpass this point.

According to a 2023 study issued by StatPearls, when environmental humidity surpasses 75 per cent, evaporative cooling becomes less effective. Radiation, conduction, and convection are other methods of heat loss, but they are not effective at transferring heat when the temperature outside the body is higher than the temperature of the skin.

Type of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is characterised by a group of clinical symptoms, which may include a significant rise in body temperature, often exceeding 40°C, along with signs of dysfunction in the central nervous system such as ataxia, delirium, or seizures. These symptoms are typically observed in individuals who have been exposed to hot weather or have engaged in strenuous physical activity.

There are two distinct types of heat stroke:

Classic: The classic form is commonly observed in elderly individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
Exertional: Exertional heat stroke is commonly seen in otherwise healthy individuals who have engaged in intense physical exercise in hot or humid conditions.

Symptoms

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness, and if left untreated, it can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke can be life-threatening, so it's important to look out for signs to recognise and prevent it.

Some of the common symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

Weakened vision
Redness of the face
Weakness
Headache
Muscle cramps
Skin that is either hot and dry or excessively sweaty
Confusion, changes in mental state, and difficulty speaking logically
An increased body temperature
Loss of consciousness or slipping into a coma
Seizures

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to take immediate steps to cool down and prevent the onset of heatstroke.

Factors That Increase The Risk of Heatstroke

While anyone can be affected by heat stroke, certain risk factors may increase an individual's sensitivity to heat. These risk factors include:

Toddlers and older adults: Infants and children under 4 are vulnerable to heat cramps, dizziness and sweating. And, adults over 65 are more at threat of heat stroke because the body's ability to regulate temperature is not fully developed in children. Whereas illnesses, medications, or other factors can affect an older adult's capability to maintain temperature.
Certain drugs: Some medications used to treat high blood pressure, heart problems, allergies, or psychiatric symptoms, can affect the body's ability to retain hydration and respond to heat properly. Illegal drugs like cocaine and amphetamines can also increase core body temperature.
Obesity: Excess body weight can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature and cause it to retain more heat.
Tight-fitting clothing in hot weather: Wearing too many layers or tight-fitting clothing can hinder the body's ability to cool down effectively.
Sudden temperature changes: Those who are not used to high temperatures are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion. Travelling to a warm climate from a cold one or experiencing an early heat wave in a region can increase the risk of heat-related illness because the body hasn't had enough time to acclimate to the higher temperatures.
High heat index: The heat index concludes both temperature and humidity levels to estimate how hot it feels outside. It is an important tool in helping people understand and mitigate the risks associated with exposure to hot and humid conditions.

What To Do To Cool Down In Summer

Here are some excellent ways to ensure the safety and well-being of employees working outdoors during warmer months.

Provide shade: If possible, provide shade for employees to take breaks under. This can include trees, awnings, or tents.
Appropriate clothes: Encourage employees to wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing that will help keep them cool. Loosen or remove any tight or unnecessary clothing to lower your body temperature. Also, consider providing hats and other protective gear.
Offer cooling measures: Provide ice packs, cooling vests, and other cooling measures to help employees regulate their body temperature.
Provide adequate ventilation: Ensure that the work environment has proper ventilation to allow fresh air to circulate. You can use fans or air conditioning systems to keep the temperature down.
Train employees on heat stress prevention: Educate employees on the signs and symptoms of heat stress, as well as how to prevent it. Provide regular training sessions and encourage employees to ask questions and raise concerns.
Factor in rest breaks: Encourage employees to take regular breaks, especially during the hottest part of the day. You can provide a designated rest area where employees can cool down and take a break from the heat.
Encourage hydration: Move to a cool, shaded area and drink cool water or a sports drink to replenish fluids and electrolytes.

When To Contact A Doctor

It is important to contact your OHC doctor immediately if you have had a heat stroke or are experiencing any abnormal symptoms, as these can be signs of serious medical complications. Some specific examples of when to contact your doctor include:

Cognitive dysfunction: If you are experiencing problems with thinking, memory, or concentration, this could be a sign of brain damage caused by heat stroke. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your cognitive function.
Difficulty breathing: Heatstroke can cause respiratory distress, which can make it difficult to breathe. If you are having trouble breathing, seek medical attention right away.
Low urine output: Heatstroke can cause dehydration, which can lead to decreased urine output. If you are not producing as much urine as usual, or if your urine appears dark or concentrated, contact your doctor right away.
Liver or kidney problems: Heatstroke can cause damage to the liver and kidneys, which can lead to complications such as jaundice or kidney failure. If you are experiencing any symptoms of liver or kidney problems, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes or decreased urine output, contact your doctor immediately.

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How UR.Life Can Help

The safety and well-being of your employees should always be a priority. By taking preventive measures, UR.Life can help ensure that your team stays healthy, comfortable, and productive. If your symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention right away. Your doctor may recommend further treatment or monitoring to ensure that your condition does not progress. They can provide you with guidance and advice on how to manage your symptoms and prevent further complications.

In addition to these measures, UR.Life may also consider providing wellness programs, such as yoga or meditation classes, to help employees relax and cope with stress. These measures can create a safe and healthy work environment that promotes employee well-being and productivity.

With the UR.Life Corporate Wellness programme, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you are able to bring your whole self to work.

With our medical professionals by your side, routine health check-ups will never be an issue. Advanced laboratory technologies back UR.Life’s Occupational Health Centers (OHC), and with highly qualified experts/technicians, we’re committed to delivering trusted and quality recommendations, modifications and advice to you.

Click here to learn more about the UR.Life Corporate Wellness programme and unlock better health.