The June 2013 issue of Safety in Mind, the UWindsor health and safety newsletter, focuses on the issues of heat stress.

“Working in the heat puts stress on the body’s cooling system,” says the lead article. “When heat is combined with other factors like physical activity, air temperature, humidity, loss of fluids or fatigue, it may lead to heat-related illnesses.”

The publication lists the causes, symptoms and treatment of illnesses ranging from heat rash through cramps, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Among the tips to avoid such illnesses, it offers:

• Drink water, even if you don’t feel thirsty
• Wear light clothing, sunscreen and appropriate head gear
• Take a break if you feel tired weak or dizzy

Safety in Mind is distributed online but formatted for printing and posting in work areas and on bulletin boards. Read the entire newsletter at www.uwindsor.ca/safety/safetytalks.