In our previous heat safety blog post, we discussed the heat index and how it affects workers. Today we are focusing on factors that contribute to heat stress and how you can keep your employees safe in high temperature work areas.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Prolonged exposure to heat can result in:

• Heat Stroke
• Heat Exhaustion
• Heat Cramps
• Heat Rashes
• Accidental Burns

Increasing the risk of injury are the following consequences that can occur in a severe heat environment: 

• Sweaty Palms
• Fogged-Up Safety Glasses
• Dizziness

At-Risk Workers

Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as:

• Construction Workers
• Welders
• Firefighters
• Bakery workers

• Farmers
• Miners
• Boiler Room Workers
• Factory Workers

Environmental Heat Indicators

How do you know when it’s too hot? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cites the following;

• The temperature rises
• Humidity increases
• The sun gets stronger
• There is no air movement
• No controls are in place to reduce the impacts of equipment that radiates heat
• Heat Index is higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Protective clothing or gear is worn
• Work is strenuous

Individual Worker Conditions

After accessing the environment, an employer must go one step further and review the crew’s abilities and limitations. The following covers some of the most important factors   when accessing individual workers:

Medication – Does anyone take medication for blood pressure or depression? Is someone taking cold or allergy medication? These doctor prescribed or over-the-counter medications can negatively affect how the body reacts to heat.

Alcohol Use-Alcohol can affect the body for up to 24 hours after use, making workers more susceptible to heat-related problems. Alcohol also contributes to dehydration.

Acclimation-It takes time to get used to the hot weather. Allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimatize or build a tolerance for working in the heat.

Fluid Loss – Fluid loss is a given while working in hot environments. According to (OSHA), the worker’s body water loss should not exceed 1.5 percent total body weight loss in a work day.

Work Schedule- Keeping workers out of the stronger mid-day sun is a tactic that can be easily implemented by changing the work schedule to an early morning or later afternoon timetable.

These are a few of the environmental factors contributing to Heat Stress. Below is a detailed graph indicating the many circumstances that can lead to a heat- related illness.

BlackHawk Supply is committed to working with our customers to help keep their workers safe. Please see our heat stress prevention equipment and hydration products on our website. Our trained professionals at BlackHawk Supply are happy to help you with any of your questions. We welcome you to contact us here:  https://www.bhid.com/ContactUs or call us TOLL FREE at (855) 610-1001.