Heat exhaustion may occur when people perform hard physical labour in a hot environment. This happens because the person loses too much salt and water from their body through excess sweating. Eventually, if the person continues to work in this type of environment, the body will adapt to the conditions and heat disorders become less likely.

Other influential factors include the obesity, heavy alcohol consumption; people who are feverish, or those who are simply not used to intense heat.

If heatstroke is not treated before it becomes fully developed, it is extremely dangerous and, in around twenty percent of cases, it is fatal. Even those who make a full recovery may have continual problems with balance and coordination for many months afterwards. However, if prompt treatment is administered, the outlook is good and a speedy recovery is likely.

Obviously, prevention is the best way to fight sunstroke. Wear cool clothing and a hat, drink plenty of fluids and don’t stay out too long in the sun is the sensible option. To avoid heatstroke in the workplace, it is essential to wear cool clothing, drink adequate fluids, and also take salt tablets if necessary.