Heat-related illnesses claim the lives of over 650 people in America each year, and yet they are all largely preventable. Two of the most common and concerning heat-induced illnesses to plague workers are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. While both can be prevented by wearing cooling clothing for work, drinking ample water, and taking frequent breaks, they nonetheless lead to thousands of cases each year.
In this guide, we’re going over these two common yet concerning heat-related conditions to help ensure that you and those around you stay safe on the job. Being able to identify the distinct signs and symptoms of each of these two conditions is crucial to mounting a proper response. And, in the case of heat-induced illness, a proper response can mean the difference between life and death.