Summer health issues

The long, hot summer days are upon us in most regions of the U.S., and with them come additional challenges for keeping roofing workers safe from some obvious and not-so-obvious sources of injury. The training aids in this pullout are designed to provide you with a quick reference for some of the hazards workers may face during the summer and ways to help minimize their effects.

Heat cramps

Symptoms

• Painful muscle cramps or spasms, usually in the back, abdomen or legs

Causes

• Inadequate fluid intake during exercise or physical activity in hot weather

Treatment

• Rest and cool off.
• Drink water or sports drinks containing electrolytes.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Gently stretch or massage the affected areas.
• If cramping does not subside within an hour, visit a licensed health care professional for further treatment.

Heat exhaustion

Symptoms

• Profuse sweating
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Weakness or fatigue
• Pale, cool and moist skin
• Rapid, weak heartbeat
• Fast, shallow breathing
• Feeling faint

Causes

• Usually the result of heavy physical activity or exercise in hot weather
• Insufficient intake of fluids

Treatment

• Move out of the sun and into a shady or air-conditioned area.
• Drink water or sports drinks containing electrolytes.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Lie down and elevate feet above head level.
• Loosen clothing or remove it if possible.
• Take a cool shower or bath or mist or sponge with water to help lower temperature.
• If symptoms worsen or do not improve, call 911. Heat exhaustion can quickly become heat stroke—a life-threatening condition.

Sunburn

Symptoms

• Red, warm skin
• Burn may be painful or tender to touch
• Swelling and blisters in severe cases
• Headache, fever, nausea or fatigue can be present in severe exposures.
• Sunburned eyes may be red, dry and painful and feel gritty—chronic exposure can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration.
• Symptoms may not appear for hours after exposure.

Causes

• Ultraviolet light from the sun, even on cloudy days
• Lighter-skinned people are most susceptible.
• Duration of exposure, time of day and year, geographical elevation and surrounding environment (water, sand or light-colored surfaces) can affect the severity of the sun's rays.
• Some medications, such as diuretics, certain antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, can increase a person's sensitivity to the sun.

Treatment

• Aspirin,® acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help.
• Cool compresses or baths can help reduce pain.
• Keep hydrated with water or electrolyte-containing sports drinks.
• Moisturizing creams containing aloe or 1 percent hydrocortisone can speed healing.
• Blisters should not be broken, but antiseptic ointment or 1 percent hydrocortisone cream should be applied if they break to prevent infection and assist healing.
• Severe blistering or extreme pain requires the attention of a licensed health care professional.

Prevention

• A full-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 should be applied a minimum of 20 minutes before exposure, even on cloudy days.
• Wear clothing with SPF ratings.
• Sunglasses are a must for minimizing sun exposure to the eyes; tinted safety glasses accomplish the dual goals of sun protection and protecting the eyes from flying objects.
• Wear a hat to reduce the risk of sun exposure to the head and help shield the eyes.
• Sun protection is a must even for those with darker skin. The National Safety Council reports repeated overexposure to the sun can damage a person's immune system. Even mild sunburn can limit the body's disease-fighting ability for up to 24 hours, and the effect is not limited to only those with light skin.

Heat stroke

Symptoms

• Extremely high body temperature (higher than 103 F)
• Red, hot and dry skin
• Unconsciousness
• Confusion
• Rapid heartbeat and breathing
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fainting

Causes

• Heavy physical activity or exercise in hot weather
• Insufficient intake of fluids
• Being older or obese
• Alcohol use, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and some medications

Treatment

• Call 911.
• Move to the shade or into an air-conditioned area.
• Remove clothing, mist with water, or immerse in a cool bath or shower.
• Failure to get treatment can cause death or permanent disability.

Insect bites and stings

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain at the site of the bite or sting
• Itching near the area of the bite or sting
• Allergic reactions may result because of oversensitivity to the venom or other substance introduced by the bite or sting—called anaphylaxis—including the following:
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swelling of throat
  • Cramps, nausea or vomiting
  • Significant swelling at the bite or sting location
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Hives or rash
  • Rapid heartbeat

Treatment

• Severe allergic reactions to insect stings and bites can be life-threatening if you are oversensitive to the venom.
• Call 911 or seek immediate medical assistance in such situations.
• Wash the area thoroughly with antiseptic soap and water.
• Apply ice or a cold pack.
• An antihistamine such as Benadryl® can help open breathing passages.
• If you are sensitive to insect bites, consider carrying a pen-like device that can automatically inject a measured amount of drug, usually epinephrine, when pressed against the skin to counteract a sting or bite.
• Hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can provide relief to the immediate area of the bite or sting.