Hot Safety Quiz
It’s already Memorial Day. The closer we get to the official start of summer on June 20th, the warmer our weather will be. As the days heat up, many of us will be working outside in the heat. Do you remember summer heat illness prevention tips?
Test yourself and see what you can remember. Answers will be at the end of the quiz. If you need a little help, click here for some tips on the topic from OSHA.
1. One word that is important in talking about working in warm weather is acclimatization. It means to get used to working in warm weather gradually. What are some generally accepted parts to acclimatization?
A. It can take from 4 to 14 days to get used to working in the heat.
B. Generally, most people start by working in the heat for around 2 hours initially and try to increase it a little at a time.
C. Some medications can affect your ability to become acclimatized to working in the heat.
D. Some organizations recommend having supervisors monitor or assign “buddies” to monitor new employees for the first 14 days to make sure the new employees are acclimatized.
E. Only A and B are correct.
F. All answers A – D are correct.
2. Heat-related illness can be fatal. Which of the following is considered the most serious of heat-related illnesses?
A. Heat rash.
B. Heat cramps.
C. Heat exhaustion.
D. Heat stroke.
3. We often hear that we should drink water while working outside in the heat. How much water does OSHA recommend that you drink when working in the heat?
A. At least 1 cup of water per hour.
B. At least 1 cup of water every 15 – 20 minutes.
C. At least 1 cup of water every 2 hours.
D. At least 1 cup of water every 8-hour shift.
4. A worker has been outdoors, working on a day that is at least 10 degrees warmer than the day before. The worker’s skin is red and dry – he’s not sweating. He is complaining of a severe headache and is nauseated. What might his diagnosis be and what should you do?
A. Heat stroke. Call 9-1-1! Get him to a cool place, pour water on him and then fan him until help arrives.
B. Heat exhaustion. Get him to a cool place, give him water to drink. If he does not recover soon, take him to a health care facility.
C. Heat cramps. Get him to a cool place, give him water to drink. Monitor his recovery.
D. Heat rash. Get him to a cool place, give him water to drink. Monitor his recovery.
Weekly Safety Challenge
We often hear that we should drink water when it’s hot. Why do the experts not recommend electrolyte drinks or caffeinated drinks?
Answers
- F. All answers A – D are correct.
- D. Heat stroke can be fatal.
- B. At least 1 cup of water every 15 – 20 minutes.
- A. He most likely has heat stroke. Call 9-1-1! Get him to a cool place, pour water on him and then fan him until help arrives.
California has some specific regulations for heat illness prevention. We have an online course for that! To learn more, click here.
