
Protect Workers From Heat Waves or Face Fines, Japan Tells Firms
Tougher rules being enforced in Japan will see employers fined if they fail to take adequate precautions to protect workers from extreme temperatures.
The revised legislation, which came into effect June 1, is a rare global example of a national-level policy on heat safety for employees, and comes after 30 workplace deaths and roughly 1,200 injuries last year associated with high temperatures, according to health ministry data. Most of those affected worked in construction or manufacturing.
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CNET
an hour ago
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Symptoms of heatstroke, according to the Mayo Clinic and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include: Altered mental state, including confusion, agitation and slurred speech (this may also result in "odd" behavior) Headache Hot, flushed, usually dry skin (or, alternatively, heavy sweating -- if brought on by exercise, heatstroke may include moist skin) Loss of consciousness Racing heartbeat Rapid breathing Seizures Very high body temperature Vomiting Keeping hydrated by drinking enough water, both before you head outdoors and while you're out in the heat, is an important step to warding off heat illness.1. Call 911 Having heatstroke is a medical emergency that requires professional care. If there's more than one person around to aid the person suffering heatstroke, Hudson advised that one person call 911 while the other helps the person through the steps below. 2. Get to a cooler area immediately If you're around someone who has heatstroke, move them to a cooler area, such as a nearby air-conditioned room or into the shade. Either way, "try to move them out of the heat as quickly as possible," Hudson said. The goal is to cool down the body's core temperature. 3. Take off excess clothing Removing long-sleeve shirts, pants or other clothing will help a person cool down faster. Hudson said the goal is to reach "evaporative cooling," and clothing can prevent evaporation. (For people who choose to run in layers to "sweat off weight," Hudson said, you probably shouldn't. It's dangerous and can lead to heatstroke. You may consider cooling clothes that work with your body to keep you cooler and more comfortable.) 4. Hold ice, cold towels or cool water to the skin If you have something like a cold towel or a water bottle, put it on your or the other person's neck, armpits or groin. 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