First heat of the season, outdoor workers face many health risks

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, hot weather in many areas across the country, including Hanoi Capital, is likely to continue for many days to come.

The early summer heat with a sudden increase in temperature not only makes it difficult for the body to adapt but also clearly affects people who regularly have to work outdoors.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam (Hanoi) - a green tree planting worker - said that recently, after each day working outdoors, due to prolonged exposure to hot sun and high temperatures, she often experiences headaches, dizziness, and lightheadedness.

To reduce heat for her body, Ms. Tam equipped herself with air conditioning clothes and supplemented enough water to limit dehydration due to hot and dry weather.

At peak sunny hours, we prioritize planting trees in shady areas. When the weather is cooler, we move to the remaining locations. We also arrange interspersed rest time to avoid overworking outdoors in the hot weather, affecting health and working ability," Ms. Tam shared.

Working outdoors, Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh - a construction worker in Cau Giay ward, Hanoi - also said that in addition to choosing clothes that suit the nature of the job, on hot sunny days, he always wears long-sleeved shirts and hats to cover up and protect his health. He also prioritizes drinking enough water throughout the working process.

On normal days, I only drink about 1-2 liters of water. However, when the weather is hot and sweaty, the amount of water needed to supplement increases to 4-5 liters per day," Mr. Thanh said, while emphasizing that although making a living, health still needs to be put first.

According to Dr. Truong Hong Son - Director of the Vietnam Institute of Applied Medicine, early summer heat can affect many organs in the body, especially during the transitional period when the body has not yet adapted to weather changes. The risk of heat shock increases, especially in people who regularly work outdoors. Common symptoms include dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, dehydration. Prolonged heat also increases the risk of skin, eye diseases and kidney stones due to dehydration.

In hot sunny conditions, workers should shorten working hours to 30-45 minutes, take a 15-20 minute break to avoid exhaustion and heat shock. Drinking water regularly (each 15-20 minutes) and supplementing electrolytes is necessary to compensate for the lost sweat, ensuring labor safety. Drinking enough water is also especially important to compensate for the amount of sweat lost during labor," the doctor advised.

People should drink water regularly, divided into many times with small amounts instead of waiting for thirst to drink more at the same time, prioritize water-rich foods such as fruits, soups, and limit the use of tea and coffee because it can increase the risk of dehydration.

See the original here