According to a report published by the CDC, during 2004–2018, an average of 702 heat-related deaths (415 with heat as the underlying cause and 287 as a contributing cause) occurred in the United States annually. Outside of the direct consequences such as heat stroke, heat stress can cause incidents due to loss of focus or excessive fatigue on the job.

Heat Cramps: Are painful, brief muscle cramps. Muscles may spasm or jerk involuntarily. Heat cramps can occur during exercise or work in a hot environment or begin a few hours later.

Heat Exhaustion: There are two types of heat exhaustion. 1. Water depletion- Signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and loss of consciousness. 2. Salt depletion- Signs include nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness.

Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. Heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs. Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures — usually in combination with dehydration — which leads to failure of the body’s temperature control system.

Medical Response

If anyone is displaying symptoms of a heat-related illness, it is important to get them the proper medical attention they need before the problem turns into heat stroke. For people displaying symptoms of heat exhaustion, have them stop work and get to a shaded area. The affected person needs to slowly consume room temperature water. The person should rest until they feel better.
For anyone who is displaying symptoms of a heat stroke, immediate medical attention is needed. Delaying calling 911 could result in irreversible injuries or death. Symptoms of heat stroke include fainting, lack of sweating, hot/dry skin, vomiting, or behavioral changes such as confusion. The person should be cooled down immediately in a shaded area or indoors. DO NOT put ice-cold water on the victim as this can cause shock. Use cool water to lower the body temperature of the victim. Remove any unnecessary clothing and fan the victim until medics arrive.

Safe Work Practices to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses

• Allow for acclimatization to a hot environment before any strenuous work begins. It takes roughly two weeks for an individual to acclimate to a hot environment.
• Drink plenty of water during strenuous activities especially in hot environments. An average person sweats between roughly 27 oz. to 47 oz. per hour during intense labor. To put that amount into perspective, an average water bottle holds 16.9oz.
           o    Drink about 16 ounces before starting and 5 to 7 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes during hot work activities. On   average we lose 1 quart of water per hour in hot conditions.
• Use general ventilation, cooling fans, and evaporative cooling whenever possible;
• Shield heat producing equipment;
• Eat well-balanced meals, avoiding heavy or hot food, and eat smaller meals before work activity.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
• Work at a steady pace minimizing overexertion;
• Know your own limits and ability to work safely in heat;
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing—cotton is good. 
• Take breaks in cool shade.
• Work in the shade when possible.
• Find out from your health care provider if your medications and heat don’t mix.
• Know that equipment such as respirators or work suits can increase heat stress.
• Take fast action for symptoms of heat cramps, exhaustion, or heat stroke.