Arizona officials urging outdoor workers to keep cool
Jun 3, 2013, 3:55 PM | Updated: 3:55 pm
PHOENIX — Temperatures are climbing and, for those who work outdoors, the heat can take a toll.
The key to staying safe and healthy during long hours outside is education on how to prevent things like dehydration, heat exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke.
The Arizona Division of Occupational Health and Safety is promoting its “Water, Rest and Shade” initiative for the second year.
“We’re encouraging employers and employees to drink eight ounces of water every 15 minutes or more if necessary,” ADOSH’s Jessie Atencio said.
Atencio added resting and spending five minutes at a time in the shade are essential to staying cool.
“Some of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are headaches, dizziness, light headedness or fainting, weakness and moist skin,” said Atencio. “Then you get into the more serious which is heat stroke and that’s dry hot skin with no sweating and also mental confusion does come into play.”
Recognizing these signs can help employees and their coworkers catch on to danger early.
For more information on the campaign, click here.