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Definition

Prostration is a state of extreme physical exhaustion, weakness or collapse.

Additional Info

Prostration can be caused by a number of different factors - chemical exposure, illness, physical exertion etc.

When one works too hard/long in a hot environment, a potentially life-threatening condition called heat prostration (also called hyperthermia or heat exhaustion) can occur. The condition is marked by nausea, dizziness, and or collapse. Treatment involves rest as well as fluids and electrolytes in severe cases to replace those lost through sweating.

Heatstroke is a severe form of heat exhaustion and is a seriously life-threatening condition that requires requires immediate medical attention; see Further Reading below for more information.

SDS Relevance

Help your workers avoid injury with heat stress safety products from Safety Emporium.

Prostration may appear in Section 11 (toxicological information) of a Safety Data Sheet as a symptom of chemical exposure, usually through ingestion or inhalation. The victim feels unable to move or think clearly. If someone collapses on the job, seek medical attention. If the collapse is due to inhalation of a substance, remove the victim to fresh air (if possible) and monitor their breathing and pulse until help arrives.

Further Reading

• Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness at the US CDC.
• Prevent Heat Illness at Work, a printable poster courtesy of OSHA.
• Heat exhaustion: First Aid at MayoClinic.com
• Heat Stroke Symptoms, Signs, First Aid, and Recovery at MedicineNet.com.
• First Aid: Heat Illness at KidsHealth.org.
• Do You Have Heat Stroke or Heat Exhaustion? Learn the Signs at Healthline.
• 6 Ways to Prevent Heat Stress at Work at EHS Daily Advisor.

See also: Lethargy, stupor, syncope.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

Entry last updated: Saturday, January 7, 2023. This page is copyright 2000-2024 by ILPI. Unauthorized duplication or posting on other web sites is expressly prohibited. Send suggestions, comments, and new entry desires (include the URL if applicable) to us by email.

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