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Preventing Heat Trauma in the Workplace

Written by arizonastg on . Posted in Heat trauma, Safety Services.

Recognizing Heat Trauma
Heat trauma starts quietly—like a pot simmering before it boils over. Early warning signs include dizziness, headache and nausea. Sweating that suddenly stops is another red flag—when the body’s cooling system shuts down, a serious emergency is close behind. Heat trauma is more than just sweating in a hot office or humid warehouse – it’s a serious condition that can escalate from heat exhaustion to heat stroke in minutes. Picture a car engine left running on asphalt; your body can’t cool itself fast enough. Like a plant wilted by the sun, cells begin to fail when core temperatures rise. Recognizing early signs can be the difference between a quick rest and a life-threatening emergency.

Quick Checks
Keep an eye out for:

  • Confusion or disorientation in staff
  • Rapid pulse and shallow breathing
  • Clammy or hot, dry skin
  • Dark-colored urine or reduced bathroom visits

Building Prevention Habits
A few simple routines can cut risk dramatically. Encourage water breaks every 15 minutes even if no one feels thirsty. Rotate tasks between hot and cool zones to balance exposure. Post reminders by time clocks so heat awareness stays top of mind. Simple steps can keep teams safe when temperatures climb.

Training employees to recognize their own limits builds awareness – and stocking first aid stations with cooling packs ensures quick relief when needed. Scheduling shifts during cooler parts of the day reduces peak exposure. Reminders posted in breakrooms reinforce good practices.

  • Drink a half-liter of water before each shift to start fully hydrated.
  • Wear breathable, light-colored clothing that lets heat escape.
  • Take 10-minute rest periods in air-conditioned or shaded spots.
  • Hold brief toolbox talks on heat trauma before peak-temperature hours.

Tools and Support
Place easy-read thermometers in work areas and train peers to spot warning signs. Hand out cooling towels or small fans for instant relief. Assign a “heat watch” role on hot days—switch duties hourly so no one bears the heat too long.

Stay Prepared
Outline clear escalation steps for severe symptoms—call emergency services at any sign of seizure, unconsciousness or rapid temperature rise. Stock first aid stations with plenty of ice packs and oral electrolytes. Regularly review any past heat incidents and update procedures so every office, warehouse and plant stays one step ahead of heat trauma.

See Also

 

Eyewash Station Servicing $179 Quarterly

Written by arizonastg on . Posted in Safety Services.

Eyewash stations are an important part of workplace safety. They help flush out harmful chemicals or debris from the eyes in an emergency. At Arizona First Aid & Safety, we help you keep your eyewash stations compliant with ANSI Standard Z358.1 – 2014. Our service is designed for many work settings in Arizona, including construction sites, landscaping operations, warehouses, offices, and manufacturing facilities such as aerospace, electronics, and automotive production. We make sure that your eyewash stations are in good condition and ready to use whenever they are needed. This helps keep everyone safe without adding extra stress to your daily routine. For a clear guide on workplace safety standards, check out the OSHA website for additional information.

What is the cost of a eyewash station service?

Our quarterly service, which costs $179 every three months plus an $8.95 trip charge, covers everything you need for basic eyewash station maintenance. Here’s what the service includes:

  • Inspection: We check your eyewash stations to ensure they meet OSHA standards (please note, we do not offer weekly testing).
  • Thorough Cleaning: We remove grime and buildup so your station is clear and ready to use.
  • Preservative Application: This step helps keep the water safe and clean, reducing the risk of contamination.

We also make sure your eyewash station is stored in a well-labeled and visible location. This way, if an emergency occurs, anyone can quickly grab it and use it. Our service is simple and easy to understand. It is meant to help you focus on running your business while we take care of safety details. For those working on remote sites like construction areas outside Metro Phoenix, please note that a higher trip charge may apply. Our goal is to help you maintain a safe workplace with minimal hassle. By staying on top of regular maintenance, you are making a smart choice for the well-being of your employees and visitors. Regular maintenance helps avoid unexpected issues that can disrupt your operations and ensures safety remains a top priority.