What you can do to manage heat stress and prevent heat related fatigue?
- Wear light, long sleeve cotton clothing
- Stay well hydrated by regularly drinking plenty of fluids
- Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugary fluids as they can make you lose more fluids and worsen heat exhaustion
- Monitor the colour of your urine, it should be pale yellow; if it gets dark yellow it means you need to drink more fluids
- Work under shaded areas whenever practical
- Take regular short breaks under shaded areas
- Gradually build up to heavy work (acclimatisation)
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- Schedule heavy work which is physically demanding early or late during the dayWork in pairs or small groups
- If you experience any signs of heat stress illnesses immediately notify your colleagues and supervisors
- Use mechanised equipments (cranes, forklifts, hoists etc) for physically demanding jobs such as digging and excessive lifting.
In case of Heat Stroke
- Get the victim to a shaded area, call for help to get medical assistance as soon as possible
- Start cooling the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can e.g. immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the
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victim with cool water, sponge the person with cool water; or wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and use a fan if available. Do not give the victim fluids to drink
- Continue cooling efforts while awaiting emergency medical personnel, call the nearest clinic to ensure help is coming and for further instructions
- If a victim's muscles begin to twitch, keep the victim from injuring them self, but remember not to give anything by mouth, including fluids
- If there is vomiting, make sure their airway remains open by turning the victim to their side
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