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Danny Ochoa, left, and Richard Gaytan, Los Angeles City Street Services workers, rake hot asphalt in the Beverlywood neighborhood in May during an unseasonable spring heat wave.
(The Associated Press)
As the Portland metro area heads toward what may be the hottest day of the year Tuesday, Oregon OSHA reminds outdoor workers to make sure they get plenty of these three things to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke: water, rest, shade.
"Employers should ensure workers are taking water breaks throughout the day and provide shade to give their body time to recover," said Penny Wolf-McCormick, health enforcement manager for Oregon OSHA.
The National Weather Service says the temperature could reach into the mid-90s on Tuesday before returning to more seasonal highs.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion: extreme fatigue, nausea, lightheadedness or a headache. The person could have clammy and moist skin, a pale complexion, and a normal or only slightly elevated body temperature, health officials said.
The agency pointed out that 33 people from 2009 through 2013 received workers' compensation benefits for heat-related illnesses. Most of them happened in July.
Here's what to do if someone gets heat exhaustion, Oregon OHSA says:
* Move the person to a cool, shaded area. Don't leave them alone.
* Loosen and remove heavy clothing.
* Provide cool water to drink (a small cup every 15 minutes) if they aren't feeling sick to their stomach.
* Fan them. Cool the skin with a spray mist of cold water or a wet cloth.
* If they don't feel better in a few minutes, call 911 for emergency help.
For heat stroke, call 911 immediately. It's more serious than heat exhaustion and can lead to death. Symptoms include hot, red skin (looks like a sunburn), mood changes, irritability and confusion, and collapse.
Other Oregon OSHA tips for working in the heat.