Warehouse Safety Tips | Episode 310 | Recognizing and Responding to Heart Attacks in the Workplace

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Recognizing and Responding to Heart Attacks in the Workplace

Heart attack awareness might not be the first thing that comes to mind when talking warehouse safety—but it should be. I know this firsthand. After 309 straight weekly episodes of Warehouse Safety Tips, I hit a wall. Not one, but two heart attacks. Ten days apart. I never missed a week until then. That streak ended, but it gave me a wake-up call that I want to share with you.

Heart attacks don’t care how strong you are or how dedicated you feel. They can hit in the breakroom, behind the wheel of a forklift, or right in the middle of your shift. The key is knowing what to look for and what to do—fast.

Here are a few ways to stay alert and ready if heart trouble shows up on the floor:

Know the signs.

Pressure or tightness in the chest. Pain that spreads to the arm, jaw, neck, or back. Cold sweat. Shortness of breath. Lightheadedness or nausea. These are the red flags. If you feel any of them—or notice them in someone else—act fast.

Don’t downplay symptoms.

Many people brush it off as indigestion or fatigue. Don’t. If it feels “off,” speak up. Seconds matter. That false alarm you’re worried about? Worth it. Every time.

Call for help immediately.

Dial 911. Alert your on-site emergency contact or supervisor. Get an AED if one is available, and you’re trained to use it. Don’t wait for someone else to step in. Be the one.

Keep calm and don’t move the person unless necessary.

If it’s you, sit down. If it’s a coworker, help them stay calm and still. Moving too much can make things worse. Loosen tight clothing. Stay with them until help arrives.

Make wellness part of your safety culture.

Heart health isn't just a personal issue—it’s a workplace safety issue. Encourage regular breaks. Promote hydration. Support stress management and physical wellness. A few simple shifts can prevent bigger problems later.

As always, these are potential tips. Please be sure to follow the rules and regulations of your specific facility.

One of the top priorities of a solid Safety Culture is protecting the people who show up and give it their all every day. That includes looking out for medical emergencies like heart attacks—especially when they’re silent or easy to miss. You don’t have to be a medic to save a life. Just be alert. Act fast. And never second-guess speaking up.

Your actions could be the difference between a close call and a tragedy. Believe me—I’ve lived it.

Also, being safe and heart attack awareness isn't only for the workplace. If you're in any of the states that receive heavy snow, keep the following in mind. On average, about 11,500 people wind up in U.S. ERs annually due to snow-shoveling-related injuries or medical emergencies, with roughly 100 deaths representing the gravest result. Don’t be one of them!

Thank you for being part of another episode of Warehouse Safety Tips.

Until we meet next time—have a great week, and STAY SAFE!

#Safety #SafetyCulture #StaySafe #HeartAttackAwareness #EmergencyPreparedness #SafetyFirst #StayAlert #AED #HealthAndSafety