In a worker's perspective, experiencing heat strain can disrupt the body's natural cooling mechanisms and potentially lead to heat-related health issues.

Typical bodily responses to heat, either from the environment or exercise, include vasodilation (blood vessel widening), sweating, increased respiratory and heart rates.

However, when heat strain comes into play, it can result in electrolyte changes, dehydration, and elevated core temperature. If the work environment, task demands, or an individual's health hinders these cooling mechanisms, it may lead to various heat-related illnesses:

Heat Rash:

• Occurs due to excessive sweating, often associated with humid or dusty tasks.
• Presents as red clusters of pimples or small blisters, commonly on the neck, upper chest, and in skin folds.

Heat Cramps:

• Involves muscle pains or spasms, typically in the abdomen, arms, or legs.
• Can result from strenuous activity in a hot environment, depleting the body of salt and water, and may indicate heat exhaustion.

Dizziness and Fainting:

• Stem from reduced blood flow to the brain due to heat.
• Heat-induced increase in skin blood flow and pooling in the legs can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Heat Exhaustion:

• A serious condition that can progress to heatstroke.
• Symptoms include paleness, sweating, rapid heart rate, muscle cramps, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting.

Heatstroke:

• A medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
• Occurs when the core body temperature surpasses 40.5 °C, leading to internal systems shutting down.
• Manifestations may include delirium, coma, seizures, staggered movements, confusion, fits, collapse, unconsciousness, and potential damage to organs such as liver, kidney, muscles, and heart.
• Unlike heat exhaustion, there may be no sweating, and the person's mental condition worsens.

Recognizing these signs is crucial, and in the case of heatstroke, urgent measures are necessary to reduce body temperature swiftly. Heat-related illnesses can have severe consequences, making it imperative for workers to be vigilant and take preventive measures in hot environments.