Heat stroke can occur when you perform physical work in hot environments. It occurs when the body fails to cool enough: its temperature normally 37 ° C increases and can reach 40 degrees C.
Pub “These strong episodes of intense heat is increasingly frequent in recent years, companies must now anticipate their occurrence and take into account this risk may add to the usual occupational hazards. It must be included in the single document d ‘risk assessment, leading to the implementation of measures to mitigate their effects on health.Dehydration is the main cause disturbances in the body, it is essential to provide access to drinking water easy for all employees. This general obligation laid down in article R 232-3 labour code makes sense in times of extreme heat.
The populations most vulnerable are pregnant women, employees aged over 55 years, employees suffering from diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases… Taking certain drugs and alcohol consumption increases the risk as well as wearing clothing or personal protective equipment not adapted to heat.
Signs of early warnings are the appearance of muscle cramps, clumsiness, loss of concentration, leading to increased risks of accidents at work. If exposure to heat continues, signs of épuisements occurring: strong sweating, weakness, cold and pale skin, weak pulse.
Finally, heat stroke, with a body temperature above 40 degrees C, a hot and dry skin, rapid pulse and loss of consciousness, is a vital emergency, imposing to call the SAMU.
Prevention must include measures of work organization, information and training. Based on data from the meteorology:
inform employees of risks associated with heat and first aid measures
minimise the physical work and postponing tasks
increase the duration and / or the number of breaks
adjust work schedules to benefit the better times less hot day
avoid working alone provide drinking water sources near workstations
provide air-conditioned rest areas or create zones of shadows
provide technical adjustments to limit the effects of heat (fans, brumisateurs, stores…) In conclusion, during episodes of extreme heat risk factors are in addition to dividual factors workstation. Employers, employees and doctors must work together to decide on preventive measures tailored to the company in order to avoid the health consequences of the heatwave.
Alert heatwave: prevention of occupational hazards
Heat stroke: signs and first aid
Beware of the first signs of heat stroke is an emergency! We must act quickly and effectively pending the arrival of relief supplies. The warning signs and symptoms:
If, during work performed at high temperatures, a worker has one of the following symptoms:
great weakness,
extreme fatigue,
dizziness, dizziness, blurred consciousness,
nausea, vomiting,
muscle cramps,
high body temperature,
thirst and headaches.
If you’re in the presence of a person who:
holds incoherent,
loses balance,
loses knowledge,
This convulsions.
First aid
alert first aid by dialing 18 or 15.
protect the person carrying it in the shade or in a cool, to remove his clothes or loosen.
sprinkle quickly the person with fresh water, or put wet towels regularly renewed, most of his body (including the head and neck), to lower its temperature.
make the greatest possible breakdown.
provide fresh water to drink in small quantities, if the person is conscious. “