Heat stress is one of the critical hazards in workplaces. Heat stress can be varied from notable to catastrophic effects. There are some control measures should be implemented in the workplace either by employer or by individuals. In this essay we will highlight the top 10 important tips and controls to prevent heat stress. In general Heat stress occurs when the body’s means of controlling its internal temperature starts to fail. Heat problems kill some 4,000 Americans yearly, for that, you as a person should control your temperature while working. Control measures can be by elimination, reduction, administrative, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Elimination: this is the most preferred and effective control. As possible eliminate the work under direct sun or a direct source of heat as possible. In addition, employer should find other solutions (i.e., Engineering controls like work under shade) to remove the direct exposure to sun or heat.
Work schedule: task supervisor should properly schedule the daily tasks to be the heaviest task in the shaded areas if possible or early before the extreme sunny weather and the easiest task under sun if required and in the extreme sun timing. Furthermore, scheduling the rest timing to be in the extreme sun period is preferred.
Acclimatization: one of the reasons that lead to heat stress is exposed your body to heat directly after working indoor for a long time or direct after came from leave. Exposed to heat should be gradually with time till your body sustain the normal working temperature.
Buddy system: as a general rule working alone is not recommended for various reasons. Working with buddy help in monitoring each other and assist for emergency.
Notify your supervisor of any personal risk factors: you are not working alone, and you should keep yourself and others away from any hazards. So, its mandatory to inform your supervisor with any potential heat related risk factors. In addition, emergency contact numbers should be posted and well known by all employees in the worksite.
Wear appropriate clothing: light clothes can reflect the sun beams and black clothes can absorb it. This is why we recommend to wear lightweight and light-colored clothes to reduce the entered heat to your body. In addition, wearing the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will increase the internal body temperature specially if wearing special PPE like firefighting suits.
Stay hydrated: you should drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and heavy meals before or during work, consider sports drinks for electrolyte replacement when sweating a lot. As a general rule “drink water once remembers” or about a cup every 15 to 20 per minutes.
Stay informed: by watching the local daily weather report, or employer notifications. Some employers inform their employees by the daily Thermal Daily Limit (TWL). The TWL will specify the working / rest hours. In addition, employer have the responsibility to train and increase the knowledge to their employees as well as a refresher session prior to the summer time.
Know Heat Stress Signs & Symptoms: as employee you should know the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses and take them seriously. Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, weakness, malaise, mood change, mental confusion or irritability, nausea or vomiting, rapid pulse and excessive sweating or lack of sweating with hot dry skin.
Regular breaks: in a cool area or air conditioning building, remove the PPE and excess clothing during breaks, and if possible, use some sunburns cream to protect your skin from.
All in all, we should take the heat stress hazards seriously by collaborative commitment from employer and employees because it can lead to fatal injuries or death if not controlled. All the above controls can be implemented in workplaces as applicable. To know more information about health & safety topics, our courses and diplomas just browse our website (www.osheqplanet.com) or one of social media links, and we are sure that your safety culture & competency will be completely enhanced.
