Construction Worker Died of Heat Stroke

A construction worker, collapsed while dismantling the timber formwork at a construction worksite under the hot sun. He came from a temperate country and had started work two days after arrival. He was admitted to hospital and died of complications from heat stroke the following day.

What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is an acute life-threatening condition that can be fatal if not promptly treated. It occurs when the body’s ability to maintain its temperature within the normal range fails under severe heat stress conditions. As a result, the core body temperature may rise to dangerous levels above 41ºC (normal temperature is 37ºC).
Heat stroke can occur in workers doing “hot work”, or work requiring physical exertion under hot and humid conditions. Presenting symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting and weakness. This may progress to mental confusion, drowsiness and unconsciousness.
Unacclimatized workers are at higher risk. Other risk factors include older age, diabetes, obesity, alcohol consumption and certain medications.

Emergency first aid
Workers suspected of succumbing to the heat should receive immediate first aid treatment which includes moving the worker to a shady area, removing the clothing, applying cool water to the skin and fanning to promote evaporative skin cooling. Ice packs may also be placed under the armpits and groins while awaiting the arrival of the ambulance

Advisory Note for prevention of heat related illnesses (Please note that the following advisory note is provided for the benefit of enhancing workplace safety and health and in no way should the information be misconstrued as implying any liability on any party)
1. Schedule heavy physical work or work under the sun to the cooler part of the day (early morning or late afternoon) where possible.
2. Provide workers with cool drinking water at convenient locations and encourage frequent drinking, e.g. one glass every 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Encourage the use of mechanical or work-saving devices to reduce physical work demand.
4. Encourage alternate work and rest periods e.g. 5 minutes rest with 25 minutes of work under moderately hot conditions. Under severe conditions, the duration of rest period should be increased. Provide a cool rest area for the workers to have their breaks away from heat.
5. Ensure that new workers are acclimatized over at least one week by gradually increasing the workload and time spent in the hot environment. The schedule can begin with 50% of the anticipated work load and working time on the first day followed by daily 10% increments building up 100% total exposure on the sixth day.
6. Encourage workers to wear loose-fitting clothing while working in the hot environment.
7. Educate workers on presenting symptoms of heat related illnesses, the preventive measures they can take and the importance of seeking medical help early.
8. Workers who are feeling unwell, such as having fever or diarrhoea should consult a doctor before continuing work under the hot sun.

Extracted from MOM OSH Alert, dated 16 April 2007