High heat indices increase risk for workers, elderly

It’s another muggy day in Mid-Missouri–and that means it’s crucial to take precautions in order to prevent heat-related illness.

The temperatures we’re reaching today put us in a high risk zone for heat-related illness. That risk is even greater for workers spending time outside as well as the elderly.

Under the Occupational and Safety Health Act, employers have a duty to protect workers from serious hazards, including heat-related hazards.

According to OSHA, workers new to outdoor jobs are generally most at risk for heat-related illness. In fact, in a 2005 study into heat-related illness, 80 percent of cases involved a worker who had only been on the job for four days or less.

In terms of the elderly, the risk of heat-related illness increases because our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperatures as we age.

As a result, it can be more difficult for your body temperature to cool down–a key to preventing heat-related illness.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. This happens when your body is unable to cool its temperature and you actually lose the ability to sweat.

Signs of heat stroke include a throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea and a body temperature of over 103 degrees.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures. Signs of that include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, dizziness, a headache and more.

Here’s a link to the cooling centers in Columbia, as well as Jefferson City.