Heat Stress

July 2, 2018

Heat Stress Causes Body Reactions

Four environmental factors affect the amount of stress a worker faces in a hot work area: temperature, humidity, radiant heat (such as from the sun or a furnace) and air velocity. Perhaps most important to the level of stress an individual faces are personal characteristics such as age, weight, fitness, medical condition and acclimatization to the heat. The body reacts to high external temperature by circulating blood to the skin which increases skin temperature and allows the body to give off its excess heat through the skin. However, if the muscles are being used for physical labor, less blood is available to flow to the skin and release the heat. Sweating is another means the body uses to maintain a stable internal body temperature in the face of heat. However, sweating is effective only if the humidity level is low enough to permit evaporation and if the fluids and salts lost are adequately replaced. Of course there are many steps a person might choose to take to reduce the risk of heat stress, such as moving to a cooler place, reducing the work pace or load, or removing or loosening some clothing. But the body cannot dispose of excess heat, it will store it. When this happens, the body’s core temperature rises and the heart rate increases. As the body continues to store heat, the individual begins to lose concentration and has difficulty focusing on a task, may become irritable or sick and often loses the desire to drink. The next stage is most often fainting and death is possible if the person is not removed from the heat stress.

Ways To Prevent Heat Stress
 Drink plenty of cool water (one small cup every 15-20 minutes)
 Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable (like cotton) clothing.
 Take your breaks away from heat sources or direct sunlight.(Allow your body to cool down).
 Avoid eating large meals before working in hot environments.
 Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages (these beverages make the body lose water and increase
the risk for heat illnesses).

Workers Are at Increased Risk When
 They take certain medication (check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacy and ask if any
medicines you are taking affect you when working in hot environments).
 They have had a heat-induced illness in the past.
 They wear personal protective equipment (like respirators or suits).
 Older age.

Commonly Asked Questions

January 27, 2017

Does it cost me anything to use Working Solutions services?

No. We do not charge the applicant/employee to use our services.

How do I get paid?

A timesheet will be turned in to Working Solutions by your supervisor. They are due no later than noon on Monday following the work week. Working Solutions standard work week is Sunday-Saturday.

When will I get paid?

You will work one week and get paid the following Friday. We are paperless, so your funds will be direct deposited in to your bank account or Global Cash Card account.

How do I contact Global Cash Card?

You can contact Global Cash Card to activate your card at 1-866-929-8096.

If you have any questions or issues regarding your Global Cash Card, the customer service telephone number is 1-949-751-0360

You can also visit their website at www.globalcashcard.com

How do I contact Essential Staff Care?

If you have questions about your Essential Staff Care coverage, ID Card, claim status, policy booklets, and to cancel or change coverage:

Essential Staff Care customer service call center hours are M-F 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST

1-866-798-0803

You have 30 days from your date of hire to make any changes to your coverage. You can cancel at anytime.

If none of these answer a question you may have, please feel free to call our office in Meridian at 601-483-9111 or our office in Ridgeland at 601-856-9200.