Whether you work outdoors, in non-air conditioned buildings or boiler rooms, contractors tend to work in extremely hot conditions during the summer. That means you could wind up with dehydration, heat exhaustion or heatstroke, if not careful.

Know the symptoms and follow a few simple steps to help avoid these heat-induced illnesses — and a workers comp claim.

What is Dehydration?
Your body needs a certain amount of fluids to work properly. Dehydration happens when you use or lose more fluid than you take in. If you don’t replace the lost fluids, you can become dehydrated, which can lead to heat exhaustion.

Symptoms of mild dehydration include:

• Dry mouth
• Less frequent urination
• Dry, cool skin
• Dark-colored urine
• Muscle cramps
• Headache
• Thirst

In severe cases:

• Dizziness
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sunken eyes
• Lack of energy, weakness
• Irritability

What is Heat Exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion takes place when you are exposed to high temperatures for a long time and your body lacks the proper amount of fluids and/or the proper amount of salt.

Signs of heat exhaustion from a lack of fluids include the symptoms of dehydration (above), plus extreme thirst and loss of consciousness.

Signs of heat exhaustion from a lack of salt include nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and dizziness.

According to WebMD, other common signs of heat exhaustion are:

• Confusion
• Fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Paleness
• Extreme sweating

If ignored, heat exhaustion can lead to a very dangerous condition called heatstroke, which can seriously damage vital organs and possibly cause death.

What is Heatstroke?
When your internal body temperature reaches 105° and you are unable to cool down. Recovery from heatstroke depends upon how long it takes your body to return to its normal temperature. If you have had heatstroke in the past, then you are at a higher risk of getting it again.

What to do in case of heatstroke:

• Get out of direct sunlight or go into an air conditioned environment
• Take off extra clothing
• Apply ice or cold packs to your neck, back, groin and armpits to cool off your body
• Seek immediate medical attention

Here’s how you can avoid heat-related illnesses:

• Take frequent water breaks even if you don’t feel thirsty. Also drink beverages containing electrolytes like Gatorade to replenish lost body salts.
• Avoid working outside in high heat for long periods or take breaks in the shade.
• Check the color of your urine to make sure you are drinking enough. If it is dark, it may mean you’re not taking in enough liquids.
• Wear light-colored clothes with light, loose fabrics.

Source: WebMD

Related Links: The Buzz on Summer Safety

1. Phishing. Phishing attacks are the means by which most malware finds its way into any business. When someone within your organization clicks on a link or attachment in a phishing email the malicious code gets downloaded.

• Wombat Security has said that 76% of businesses have been a victim of a phishing attack within the last year.
• SANS Institute reported that 95% of all attacks on enterprise networks are the result of successful spear phishing.

2. Ransomware. This is malicious software (malware) that infects your machine and begins by quietly encrypting files. Once completed, it presents you with a "ransom note" stating something to the effect, 'if you want to see your files again, you’re going to have to pay.' If you decide to pay, you're only encouraging criminals, almost guaranteeing you will pay again in the future.

The best defense against ransomware is offense with a well-defined disaster recovery/backup and restore program. Best practices include backing up your assets regularly and testing the restoration process. If you can restore your organization from backup, why pay a ransom?

3. Insider threats. These come in two categories – unintentional and intentional.
Physical security of employee devices can help reduce losses. An asset management solution can help prevent lost or stolen devices, preventing attackers access to valuable information. Connection to insecure networks, especially unsecured wireless networks, has the potential to give anyone in the world access to your business! Secure connections and firewall software is another preventative measure that can help loss from unintentional insider threats.

What reasons would employees have to become an intentional threat? Many do it to steal property or information for personal gain or to benefit another organization. Over 80% of the reported cases of insider threat to date have been done during working hours, with the activity planned beforehand, and for financial gain.

Remember, half the battle against cyber security risks in knowledge and taking proactive measures.

Related links: Commercial Insurance