Employee Safety

By Geoffrey McPherson, Employee Safety

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), workers in the construction/highway maintenance industry have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease than employees in other fields. A worker with heart disease is 60% more likely to retire on disability and to retire early due to health conditions than workers without heart disease. Although workers in any industry can suffer a sudden heart attack or stroke, studies have shown that construction/highway maintenance workers are at a higher risk of heart conditions and sudden cardiac injury.

The WYDOT family is made up of many different community members. Each is part of the fabric of a successful organization that has to work in the most extreme elements while maintaining open transit ways. Sometimes our employees may fall ill and the quick response by their fellow peers could be the difference between life and death. Do you know how to recognize a potential heart attack or stroke?

Heart Attack symptoms

Chest discomfort – Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body – Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath – This can occur with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs – Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Stroke symptoms – remember BE FAST

Balance – Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Eyes – Sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes

Face – First, check for facial weakness. An uneven smile or weakness on one side could mean trouble

Arms – Next, check for arm weakness. Inability to raise both arms evenly could be another sign.

Speech – Check for impaired speech. Slurred speech or difficulty repeating simple phrases could mean a stroke.

Time – Immediately call 9-1-1.

If you notice either of these symptoms in a co-worker, immediately call for assistance, remain calm and reassure the individual. These steps can save lives. n