Work Fatigue: When Is It Heat Exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially when combined with high humidity and physical activity. It is one of the most common problems caused by heat. If heat exhaustion is not treated promptly, it can lead to heat stroke, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Insufficiently cool office temperature and poorly ventilated clothing can still cause heat exhaustion.

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Symptoms of heat exhaustion

Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, headache, nausea, and muscle cramps. Excessively high ambient temperatures can overwhelm the body’s natural cooling mechanisms, such as sweating. The body cannot regulate its temperature effectively. This results in a high body temperature, which can even lead to heatstroke if not treated promptly.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion often appear silently and are easily confused with normal fatigue. Some early warning signs of heat exhaustion that people need to pay attention to are excessive sweating, pale, clammy skin, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and feeling weak. Therefore, if a person constantly feels tired even without doing heavy work, it may be the time when the body is sending a warning signal.

Outdoor workers are often warned about the risk of heatstroke. However, people who work in offices can also get heatstroke, although the risk is low.

For example, poor ventilation, insufficient air conditioning, and devices such as computers and printers that emit heat all increase the temperature in the room. In addition, wearing tight, poorly ventilated office clothes also limits the body's ability to cool. Therefore, working indoors, although low-risk, can still lead to heat exhaustion.

To prevent heat exhaustion at work, people should drink plenty of water, wear loose clothing, take regular breaks, use a personal fan or cooling towel, and monitor the room temperature. Standing up, walking around, or going to a cool area frequently can help cool down the body when it’s too hot, according to Healthline .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/met-moi-khi-lam-viec-khi-nao-la-do-kiet-suc-vi-nong-185250418140151228.htm