Working long days in the oilfield can be arduous, and can put oilfield workers laboring on hot summer days in Southern climates like Texas at risk for heatstroke. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that workers performing their job duties in direct sun during summer months, or otherwise hot conditions, are at a much higher risk than others to suffer from heat exhaustion, which can lead to heatstroke.

Safety is always a number one priority when working in the field. Without knowing how to prevent dangerous situations or how to recognize symptoms, your work zone can quickly become hazardous.

WHAT IS HEAT EXHAUSTION?

Heat exhaustion is a condition that occurs when a person is exposed to high temperatures, especially with high humidity, while performing strenuous physical activity. Symptoms include a rapid pulse and excessive sweating, which are signs that your body is beginning to overheat.

Without immediate treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, which can cause a life-threatening amount of damage.

Your body’s failure to cool itself

Sweating is the main way your body cools itself in hot weather. As the sweat evaporates, it cools and regulates your body temperature. Strenuous activity in hot weather can have your body run out of available sweat, which means your body cannot cool itself efficiently.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of heat exhaustion can develop either quickly or slowly, especially over a prolonged period of time. Some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Fatigue
  • Weak pulse
  • Low blood pressure
  • Nausea
  • Muscle Cramps
  • Headaches

If you think you’re experiencing heat exhaustion:

  • Stop all activity and rest
  • Move to a cooler place
  • Drink cool water or sports drinks

PREVENTING HEATSTROKE

When temperatures are rising, oilfield workers have to take a number of precautions in order to avoid heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

  • Wear loose and light clothing:Wearing heavy clothes that are tight against your body won’t allow your body to cool properly.
  • Wear sunscreen: Getting sunburned skin diminishes your ability to cool itself, so wearing sunscreen is of utmost importance. Liberally apply sunscreen and reapply every two hours!
  • Drink a lot of fluids:Keeping well hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain your normal body temperature.
  • Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day:If you can’t avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot.

Oilfield workers work under extremely strenuous and tough conditions, including under harsh sunlight. Being prepared for this is crucial for the health and safety of these workers.

Aries Residence Suites cares about the oil workers that come to stay in our extended stay accommodations. We understand you want one thing when you stay with us: you want to feel the comfort of home. See how Aries goes “Well Beyond the oil fields” to provide the best experience for our guests. (insert link: https://www.ariesresidencesuites.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Well-Beyond-Aries-1.pdf )

RAM (Reliant Asset Management) –  About Our Parent Company

Reliant Asset Management is a leading specialty rental company providing premier modular space solutions to customers throughout North America. From remote workforce housing to single and multi-story buildings for growing businesses and organizations, Reliant Asset Management and its subsidiaries support a wide range of modular needs including design, manufacturing, transportation, construction, and financing.