Heat Stress | Health and Safety

Exposure to high/extreme temperatures or heat/hot environment can cause serious ill-health and/or even death. Ensuring that your body is regularly hydrated and protected from Sun during hot months. It is essential to maintain balance for performing well at work. Risk factors for heat illness include high temperature and humidity, direct sun exposure, no breeze or wind, low liquid intake, heavy physical labor, wearing non-breathable waterproof clothing, no controls are in place to reduce the impacts of equipment that radiates heat and the workers body not being acclimated to working in a hot environment.
Heat Stress | Health and Safety

The risk level increases with the heat index as well, so caution must be taken anytime the heat index is above 91°F. following are the two most serious illnesses that may result from exposure to heat in the workplace.

Heat Stress Signs and Symptoms:-

1. Heat stroke this is a medical emergency that may result in death. Signs of heat stroke include confusion, loss of consciousness and seizures. If a worker show signs or symptoms of heatstroke get medical help immediately and call ambulance.
2. Heat exhaustion is the most serious heat related health problem. The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, confusion, thirst, heavy sweating and a body temperature greater than 100.4°F. There are precautions that can be taken when temperatures are high and the job involves physical work. 
(a) Hazard Identification- learn to recognize hazards such as high temperatures, humidity levels, Sun and other thermal exposures, work demands and clothing or PPE risk factors. 
(b) Using Heat Identification Tools to evaluate your environment on the job site such as national weather service heat index. 
(c) Precaution to Block Out the Sun’s Rays, 
(d) Cover up where Tightly Woven Clothing that blocks out light, try this test place your hand between a single layer of your clothing and a light source if you can see your hand through the fabric the garment offers little protection.

Heat Stress Safety and Prevention:-

Use sunscreen, a sun protection factor of at least 30 or higher is recommended. If you want to block both UVA and UVB rays with a broad-spectrum, sunscreen to guard against skin cancer. be sure to follow application, directions on the bottle, wear UV absorbent safety glasses, they don't have to be expensive but they should block 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation. Wear a full brim hard hat to keep the Sun off your neck, ears, nose and scalp. limit exposure rays are most intense between 10 a.m. And 2 p.m. if you're unsure about the sun’s intensity, take the shadow test, if your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are the days strongest.
 Hydration is crucial to limit heat stress water should be available and easily accessible. The exact amount of hydration intake depends on the individual. A good rule of thumb for an active construction worker is to drink 32 ounces of water an hour, which is about one cup every 15 minutes. Replace necessary electrolytes the body needs to stay hydrated fueled and focused and avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages both lead to dehydration.

How do you know if you’re dehydrated?

 Use a dehydration urine color chart that uses your urine color as an indicator to know the level of your dehydration and what actions you should take to help return your body back to a normal level of hydration and finally rest, consider modified work schedule such as starting early morning and finishing early afternoon to avoid the hottest times of the day. Take rest and water breaks when needed. Ensure that fully shaded or air-conditioned areas are available for periodic resting and cooling down. Workers not used to working in higher temperatures need an opportunity to acclimatize over a period of up to 14 days, this process gradually allows the body to build a tolerance to work in the hot atmosphere. If a worker falls ill from heat stress, immediately get them to a shady or air conditioned area provide cool water and apply ice to the back of the neck and immediately contact a supervisor.
 Working safely especially in high temperatures means being prepared knowing how to limit heat stress may save your life.

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