--- title: Heat-related Illnesses and First Aid - CCS Construction Staffing description: With temperatures going up, it is important to be more cautious and aware of heat related stress on your body. Most heat related illnesses are the cause of overexertion and under hydration. It is imperative that you stay hydrated. You should be drinking water throughout the day. If you start feeling the symptoms of heat… Read More » image: https://blog.staffccs.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/occheat_fig2.png --- [Skip to main content](https://blog.staffccs.com/blog/2016/06/08/heat-related-illnesses-first-aid#main) [![CCS-Logo](https://blog.staffccs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/CCS-Logo.png?width=168&height=45&name=CCS-Logo.png)](https://www.staffccs.com/) - [Job Seekers](https://www.staffccs.com/job-seekers/) - [Contractors](https://www.staffccs.com/contractors/) - [Contact Us](https://www.staffccs.com/contact-us/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Job Seekers](https://www.staffccs.com/job-seekers/) - [Contractors](https://www.staffccs.com/contractors/) - [Contact Us](https://www.staffccs.com/contact-us/) - [Sign In](https://www.greenshadesonline.com/SSO/EmployeeAppBeta/#/login/carolinasconstruction) [Sign In](https://www.greenshadesonline.com/SSO/EmployeeAppBeta/#/login/carolinasconstruction) # Heat-related Illnesses and First Aid With temperatures going up, it is important to be more cautious and aware of heat related stress on your body. Most heat related illnesses are the cause of overexertion and under hydration. It is imperative that you stay hydrated. You should be drinking water throughout the day. If you start feeling the symptoms of heat stress, find a shaded area and cool off. Most heat related illnesses can be prevented with proper preparation.   ***Heat stroke***, the most serious form of heat-related illness, happens when the body becomes unable to regulate its core temperature. Sweating stops and the body can no longer rid itself of excess heat. Signs include confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures. **Heat stroke is a medical emergency that may result in death!** **Call 911 immediately**. ***Heat exhaustion*** is the body’s response to loss of water and salt from heavy sweating. Signs include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, and heavy sweating. ***Heat cramps*** are caused by the loss of body salts and fluid during sweating. Low salt levels in muscles cause painful cramps. Tired muscles—those used for performing the work—are usually the ones most affected by cramps. Cramps may occur during or after working hours. ***Heat rash***, also known as prickly heat, is skin irritation caused by sweat that does not evaporate from the skin. Heat rash is the most common problem in hot work environments. The chart below shows **symptoms** and **first aid measures** to take if a worker shows signs of a heat-related illness. | **Illness** | **Symptoms** | **First Aid\*** | | --- | --- | --- | | **Heat stroke** | - Confusion - Fainting - Seizures - Excessive sweating or red, hot, dry skin - Very high body temperature | - Call 911 While waiting for help: - Place worker in shady, cool area - Loosen clothing, remove outer clothing - Fan air on worker; cold packs in armpits - Wet worker with cool water; apply ice packs, cool compresses, or ice if available - Provide fluids (preferably water) as soon as possible - Stay with worker until help arrives | | **Heat exhaustion** | - Cool, moist skin - Heavy sweating - Headache - Nausea or vomiting - Dizziness - Light headedness - Weakness - Thirst - Irritability - Fast heart beat | - Have worker sit or lie down in a cool, shady area - Give worker plenty of water or other cool beverages to drink - Cool worker with cold compresses/ice packs - Take to clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation or treatment if signs or symptoms worsen or do not improve within 60 minutes. - Do not return to work that day | | **Heat cramps** | - Muscle spasms - Pain - Usually in abdomen, arms, or legs | - Have worker rest in shady, cool area - Worker should drink water or other cool beverages - Wait a few hours before allowing worker to return to strenuous work - Have worker seek medical attention if cramps don’t go away | | **Heat rash** | - Clusters of red bumps on skin - Often appears on neck, upper chest, folds of skin | - Try to work in a cooler, less humid environment when possible - Keep the affected area dry | | \* Remember, if you are not a medical professional, use this information as a guide only to help workers in need. | | | All content from OSHA Post by [matttelmanik](https://blog.staffccs.com/blog/author/matttelmanik) Jun 8, 2016 9:46:31 AM ### Related Articles ##### [![The Impact of Hurricanes on Labor and Supply Chains in Construction](https://blog.staffccs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blogoct9.png?width=520&height=294&name=blogoct9.png) Safety • Oct 9, 2024 5:49:38 AM The Impact of Hurricanes on Labor and Supply Chains in Construction 2 min read](https://blog.staffccs.com/blog/2024/10/09/hurricane-impact-construction-labor-supply-chains) ##### [![The Importance of Safety Protocols on Construction Sites](https://blog.staffccs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blogsep10.png?width=520&height=294&name=blogsep10.png) Safety • Sep 10, 2024 6:33:58 AM The Importance of Safety Protocols on Construction Sites 2 min read](https://blog.staffccs.com/blog/2024/09/10/the-importance-of-safety-protocols-on-construction-sites) ##### [![Enhancing Site Safety with Modern Construction Tools and Equipment](https://blog.staffccs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blogjune4.png?width=520&height=294&name=blogjune4.png) Safety • Jun 4, 2024 6:25:03 AM Enhancing Site Safety with Modern Construction Tools and Equipment 2 min read](https://blog.staffccs.com/blog/2024/06/04/enhancing-site-safety-with-modern-construction-tools-and-equipment) [![CCS-Logo](https://blog.staffccs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/CCS-Logo.png?width=168&height=45&name=CCS-Logo.png)](https://www.staffccs.com/) 3600 N. 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