The Occupational Safety and Health Administration claims that thousands of workers become sick form heat exposure every single year. Some people even die from severe heatstroke after spending days in the hot and humid weather. As summer approaches with its scorching temperatures, OSHA is campaigning for safe and health summer work conditions. The administration says that it is important that workers are aware of the serious dangers of heat stroke.

Employers should take care to provide all employees with plenty of water during the summer months and encourage them to take breaks under shaded canopies or inside when possible. Heat illnesses occur when the body is not able to sweat enough to naturally condition. Some individuals will get heat rashes or heat cramps from the high temperatures, but others may even suffer heat exhaustion or worst of all, heat stroke. Some individuals who suffer heat stroke can even die after the attacks.

Heat stroke is considered the most serious heat-related problem and occurs when the body's temperature regulating system collapses. Many times it will cause a worker's temperature to rise to upwards of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. This condition needs to be taken seriously, and workers need emergency medical attention after suffering heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion is the second-most serious condition related to heat illness. This illness can cause nausea, dizziness, irritability, confusion and severe headaches. Those with heat exhaustion should be placed in a cool area to rest and encouraged to drink water. If symptoms worsen, the victim should go to the emergency room as it could be a sign of oncoming heat stroke.

OSHA says that people who perform heavy physical labor in water proof clothing are at risk to heat stroke. Other factors for heat illness include high temperatures and humidity, or work conditions where there is no wind or breeze. Workers who have direct sun exposure are at risk, and those who have a low liquid intake are at an increased danger. As well, those who have no recent exposure to hot workplaces are susceptible to heat illness. Pregnant women are particularly susceptible, and anyone who has previous heat-related illnesses and has not recovered yet.

There are telltale symptoms of heat illness. These include weakness, wet skin, irritability, thirst, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and headaches. People with heat stroke will also display signs of extreme confusion, an inability to think clearly, and may faint. Sometimes those with heat stroke will collapse and suffer seizures.

OSHA says that many heat illnesses can be regulated with excessive water consumption. OSHA says that workers need to drink a pint of water per hour and should schedule frequent rest periods with water breaks in shaded areas. The employers should also check on workers who are at risk to heat stress because of their protective clothing or because of the high temperatures.

You can minimize your own risk to heat stroke by drinking plenty of water and avoiding beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine. OSHA suggests employees take a sip of water every 15 minutes and make sure to drink before you are thirsty. It also helps to block out the sun and other heat sources when possible and to wear lightweight, light colored and loose fitting clothes.

If you are ill from the heat, employees have the responsibility to call a supervisor for help and call 911 if the victim is suffering from heat stroke. As well, it is important for all other workers to move to cooler, shaded areas if possible. Workers should remove any bulky layers of out clothing and mist the worker with water while applying ice. Workers should also provide the injured worker with cool drinking water if possible.