Heat Stress Risk

heat_stressWorkers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness. Burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam.

Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers, and others. Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat.

Prevention of heat stress in workers is important. Employers should provide training to workers so they understand what heat stress is, how it affects their health and safety, and how it can be prevented.

via CDC – Heat Stress – NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic.

Heat Stress – What Employers Can Do

Employers should take the following steps to protect workers from heat stress:

  • Schedule maintenance and repair jobs in hot areas for cooler months.Schedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day.
  • Acclimatize workers by exposing them for progressively longer periods to hot work environments.
  • Reduce the physical demands of workers.
  • Use relief workers or assign extra workers for physically demanding jobs.
  • Provide cool water or liquids to workers.
  • Avoid alcohol, and drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar.
  • Provide rest periods with water breaks.
  • Provide cool areas for use during break periods.Monitor workers who are at risk of heat stress.
  • Provide heat stress training that includes information about: Worker Risk Prevention Symptoms, the importance of monitoring yourself and coworkers for symptoms, treatment and personal protective equipment.

via CDC – Heat Stress – NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic.

Stay Safe in Extreme Heat

Heat related deaths and illness are preventable yet many people succumb to extreme heat. People suffer heat-realated illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. Here  are a few tips to stay safe from extreme heat.
  • Elderly people 65 years and older, infants and children and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress.
  • Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death.
  • During conditions of extreme heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls, public libraries, or public health sponsored heat-relief shelters in your area.
  • Get informed. Listen to local news and weather channels or contact your local public health department during extreme heat conditions for health and safety updates
  • Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level.

via CDC Extreme Heat | A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety.