What is Heat Stress?
Heat stress is a condition that arises when the body cannot adequately cool itself, causing an increase in core body temperature. This typically happens in environments with high temperatures and humidity, especially when combined with physical exertion. The body's cooling mechanisms, such as sweating and increased blood flow to the skin, can become overwhelmed, leading to various health issues.
Symptoms of Heat Stress
The symptoms of heat stress can range from mild to severe. Early signs include excessive sweating, fatigue, thirst, and muscle cramps. As the condition worsens, symptoms may progress to heat exhaustion, characterized by heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. In severe cases, heat stroke can occur, marked by confusion, fainting, rapid heartbeat, and hot, dry skin due to the failure of the body's sweating mechanism.
Preventative Measures
Preventing heat stress involves several strategies to help the body maintain a safe temperature. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is crucial, especially during physical activities and in hot environments. Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing can help reduce heat absorption. Taking regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, avoiding strenuous activities during peak heat, and gradually acclimating to hot conditions can also reduce the risk of heat stress.
What to Do if Affected by Heat Stress
If you or someone else shows signs of heat stress, it is important to act quickly. Move to a cooler area and rest, preferably in an air-conditioned space. Drink water or a sports drink to rehydrate and replace lost electrolytes. Loosen or remove excess clothing and apply cool, wet clothes to the skin, or take a cool shower to help lower body temperature. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as they can contribute to dehydration.
When to Seek Medical Help
In cases of severe heat stress or heat stroke, immediate medical attention is recommended. Be sure to contact a licensed professional through Xstreme MD's 24x7 services reserved for Encompass Services, LLC employees. Employees will provide their name and associated company at the time of the call. Employees shall also notify Safety Coordinator, Brentyn Utter, at 607-658-6535 of any injury reported.
Call Xstreme MD: (800) 600-9015
While waiting for medical help, continue cooling the person by any available means, such as ice packs or cool water. Rapid intervention can be lifesaving and prevent long-term health complications.
Brentyn Utter
Colorado 14er
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Four out of seven of our incredible Encompass employees— Jeffrey Conaway, PLS, CFedS, Michelle Wyman, Eric McNeill, John Al-Jazrawi, Jason Scyoc, Martin J., and Marc Miller—reached the summit of a Colorado 14er, conquering a peak over 14,000 feet! Adding to this remarkable achievement, Bela, our loyal dog, also made it to the summit. This feat underscores our belief at Encompass: challenging ourselves is essential for personal and professional growth. By setting ambitious goals and collaborating, we achieve great heights in our careers and personal endeavors. Congratulations to our team for inspiring us all to aim higher!
Guidelines for submitting your entries:
Open to all Encompass team members.
Photos must be original and captured during work-related activities.
Include your name, position, and a brief caption explaining the context of the photo.
Theme:
Equipment Showcase: Highlight the tools and equipment crucial to our fieldwork.
Location, Location, Location: Showcase the stunning places where our fieldwork takes us.
Team Spirit: Capture the camaraderie and teamwork during field activities.
Every year, surveys are conducted on power infrastructure across the country. Measuring lines, sags, and substations are key elements in infrastructure integrity. Using LiDAR to measure and map these areas, we can accurately provide full models, giving you the visualization you need of your assets. Whereas a conventional survey could take weeks, LiDAR streamlines the process into days, providing you with the most complete picture.
Whether the requirement is for as-built documentation, asset management, or disaster response mapping, our sensors are capable of not only measuring wire thickness but also modeling the entire route. From the field to a PLS-CADD deliverable and beyond, Encompass is here to support every need.
We are pleased to announce that we have partnered up with Boot Barn to offer all Encompass employees a 15% discount on all purchases “work-related” from the Boot Barn, Nation Wide.
