Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion comes from losing too much water and salt through sweat. NIOSH lists headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst and heavy sweating as signs.

Move the worker out of the heat, give cool sips of water, and cool the head, face and neck with cold water. NIOSH says to take the worker to a clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation. Call 911 if medical care is unavailable. Do not wait. Heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke, which is always a 911 emergency. Heat cramps can be an early sign. See our heat exhaustion vs heat stroke guide.