Prevention of Heat Related Illnesses

HEAT ILLNESS CAN BE DEADLY. 

Every year, thousands of workers become sick from exposure to heat, and some even die. Heat illnesses and deaths are preventable. Employers are responsible for providing workplaces that are safe from excessive heat.

• What is heat illness?
• How can heat illness be prevented?
• Who is affected?

What is heat illness?

The body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating isn't enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if precautions are not taken such as drinking water frequently and resting in the shade or air conditioning. Heat illnesses range from heat rash and heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention and can result in death.

How can heat illness be prevented?

Employers should establish a complete heat illness prevention program to prevent heat illness. This includes: provide workers with water, rest and shade; gradually increase workloads and allow more frequent breaks for new workers or workers who have been away for a week or more to build a tolerance for working in the heat (acclimatization); modify work schedules as necessary; plan for emergencies and train workers about the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and their prevention; and monitor workers for signs of illness. Workers new to the heat or those that have been away from work and are returning can be most vulnerable to heat stress and they must be acclimatized.


To prevent heat related illness and fatalities:

• Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty. 
• Rest in the shade to cool down.
• Wear a hat and light-colored clothing.
• Learn the signs of heat illness and what to do in an emergency.
• Keep an eye on fellow workers.
• "Easy does it" on your first days of work in the heat. You need to get used to it.

If workers are new to working in the heat or returning from more than a week off, and for all workers on the first day of a sudden heat wave, implement a work schedule to allow them to get used to the heat gradually. Working in full sunlight can increase heat index values by 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep this in mind and plan additional precautions for working in these conditions.

Remember these three simple words: Water, Rest, Shade. Taking these precautions can mean the difference between life and death.

Identity Theft: The Digital Doppelganger

"But he that fliches from me my good name/Robs me of that which not enriches him/And makes me poor indeed." (Shakespeare, Othello, Act iii, Sc.3.)

We live in a modern digital world where there exists a growing and unknown threat from cyber thieves. As we approach the end of the summer and begin to prepare for the holiday season, we must realize that we all are at risk of identity theft. In the era of quick internet searches one can find out a treasure trove of information on people with nothing more than a name and maybe an address. Understanding and awareness is what can mean the difference between proactively stopping a crime in its tracks or working reactively for months, if not years, to repair the damage.

Your Guide to Travel Smart & Safe

Are you "leaving on a jet plane," "rolling down the river," boarding the "Chattanooga Choo Choo," or just "cruising down the highway, looking for adventure?" Travel can broaden your knowledge and enrich your spirit. So, let's start packing! But remember to pack more than just your clothes. Pack one of Securitas's core values, Vigilance to help make your travel safe and secure.

One of the very first things you should do is to make a thorough checklist of all the items you need to pack and to take care of before you leave. Did you remember to put a hold on your mail? Did you confirm your hotel reservation? Did you get your traveler's checks? Have you packed any medications you might need? With so many different things to remember, it is easy to overlook something. Making a checklist will help you keep it all straight. In the same way that a good security officer should check their post orders, a good traveler will verify that every item on their checklist is packed or taken care of before they set foot out of the home.

The attached handbook provide you some safety tips on how to travel smart. Click on the Download Link Below for your copy of the handbook.

Three Golden Rules

These safety tips are only a few of the dozens recommended and following them will help make our travel safer. At the root of each of these safety tips are three simple rules that apply to daily living as well as to travel.

• Plan ahead 
• Remain vigilant 
• Use your common sense

Following these three key safety rules and applying the safety tips can help make your travel experience both secure and satisfying. Have a nice trip!

***This guide is for informational purposes only and does not contain Securitas Canada's complete policy and procedures. For more information, contact your Supervisor or Branch Manager.***