Heat cramps are muscle spasms that usually affect the legs or abdominal muscles, often after physical activity. Excessive sweating reduces salt levels in the body, which can result in heat cramps.
Workers or athletes with pain or spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs should not return to work for a few hours. Instead:
- Sit or lie down in the shade.
- Drink cool water or a sports drink.
- Stretch affected muscles.
- Seek medical attention if you have heart problems or if the cramps don’t get better in an hour.
The best way to avoid a heat-related illness is to limit exposure outdoors during hot days. Air conditioning is one of the best ways to cool off. Also:
- Drink more liquid than you think you need and avoid alcohol
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat
- Replace salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks
- Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Wear sunscreen; sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool itself
- Pace yourself when you run or otherwise exert your body
Bruche Associates are an established Health & Safety and Continual Improvement Consultancy, which evolved out of the chemical and oil and gas industries. Bruche Associates Limited is a family run business overseen by Lee and Joanne Marsh who have over 35 years combined experience working in Healthcare Medical Services, Health & Safety Management and Training and Development. Lee qualified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in 1996 before moving into Health and Safety Management with ICI Paints. We work across a range of sectors from chemical manufacturing, engineering, trade & retail, and small & medium size businesses
Bruche Associates Limited 
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