The Heat is On

As the temperatures outside start to sizzle, so does the frequency of outdoor work. When temperatures are on the rise, workers are the ones who feel the burn. In 2014, 2,630 workers suffered from heat stroke and 18 died from heat-related causes! Make sure they have the tools they need to stay cool and avoid heat stress on the job this summer. It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s the law.

Know what heat stress is and what causes it

Workers exposed to high temperatures need to take special precautions to protect against heat-related illnesses. Construction workers, petrochemical workers, roofers, landscapers, miners and factory workers are among those at the greatest risk for exposure to extreme heat. Workers who are wearing semi-permeable or impermeable clothing are also at risk.  Workers must be monitored regularly if they work in any environment that could raise their core body temperature to an unsafe level.

Here are some examples of high heat operations:

• Foundries
• Boiler rooms
• Commercial kitchens
• Food canneries
• Chemical plants
• Mining sites
• Roofing
• Road work
• Construction
• Automotive

 Types of Heat Stress and their Symptoms

 

• Heat Stroke: This is the most severe form of heat-related illnesses (HRI) that can result in death. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, convulsions, high temperature, hot skin and lack of sweat. The worker should seek medical treatment immediately. In the meantime, move the worker to a cool, shaded area. Begin reducing their body temperature with cold water and circulating air.
  
  
• Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is the second most dangerous heat-related illness following heat stroke. Symptoms include headache, rapid heartbeat, weakness, thirst, nausea, decreased urine output and vertigo. Fainting and unconsciousness can occur, so make sure worker seeks medical care. Worker should find a cool, shaded place to rest and remove any unnecessary clothing. Make sure the worker hydrates and applies cold packs to lower their body temperature.
  
  
• Heat Cramps: Heat cramps often occur when a worker performs physical labor in a hot environment. When a worker sweats they lose water and body salts, resulting in an electrolyte imbalance that can lead to muscle pain. It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Remember not to rely only on thirst. Thirst occurs once the body is already dehydrated, so make sure to drink water every 15-20 minutes. If cramps last longer than an hour, it’s time to get medical attention.
  
  
• Heat Rash: One of the most common HRIs is the appearance of small red blisters or clusters on the skin. These are often caused by sweating and typically appear on neck, chest, groin and elbow areas.
  
  

There are many variables that come into play when we talk about heat and hydration. They can include age, fitness level, the extent of the work performed and environmental conditions. It’s important to train workers to spot the signs and symptoms of an HRI. Educate workers on how to avoid becoming overheated, as well as treatment procedures in the event of an emergency. Employers must provide rest areas, hydration stations and shelters. Don’t forget to monitor workers that are at risk for heat stroke.

 

Here are 5 easy ways you can keep workers cool this summer!

1. Electrolyte Replacement: When you sweat, you lose vital minerals that help to regulate your body. Workers can replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through perspiration with convenient concentrated electrolyte packs they can take anywhere
   
   
2. Shelters: Create shade, no matter where your jobsite it, with pop-up shelters and umbrellas to shade workers. When the sun is blazing and temperatures soar, workers need a place to find shade and cool off. Specially designed with hi-visibility reflective material and flame-resistant, this tent becomes a safe haven for your overheated crew
   
   
3. Cooling Apparel: If you’ve ever worked on asphalt for any length of time, you know how hot it can get. A cooling vest is an effective way to stay cool when you can’t find shade. If we can regulate the heat on our heads with headwear, we will have an easier time keeping the rest of our body cool. Block sun, prevent sunburn and chill out with an evaporative cooling neck shade that can attach directly to a worker’s hard hat
   
   
4. Drinking Station: Workers should replenish fluids every 20 minutes. To make it easier for workers to have access to water, create hydrating stations nearby. If you aren’t able to set up a station in a sheltered area, truck racks for water coolers are a great way to make water accessible at any time
   
   
5. Jobsite Fan: Reduce heat stress by providing a battery powered fan that can offer relief anywhere, without the need for an electrical hook-up. Fans creates a wind chill as sweat quickly evaporates off worker’s skin
   
   

Bonus Tip: It may sound simple, but a bucket of cool, clean water in the shade can be the perfect place to recharge cold packs, cooling apparel or even just dip a towel to cool a worker’s face.

Protecting workers from heat-related illnesses are an employer’s responsibility under OSHA.  A heat illness prevention plan should include ways to acclimate new and returning workers to the heat, an emergency plan, training on the signs of heat illness and regular monitoring.  Make sure you keep an eye on the heat index and schedule the bulk of outdoor work during the cooler morning or evening hours, if possible.

 

Heat stress is a big problem and shouldn’t be overlooked during hot weather months. By having a clear and concise heat management plan in place, you can be sure workers know what to watch out for, how to prevent heat illness and how to react in an emergency situation. It’s no secret there is work to do and many times a worker will push on through before taking a break. Prevent injury and even death, by instilling a culture of safety that addresses the importance of preventing this common ailment.