Heat Stress Awareness

Summer is here in Southern Idaho and so are record temperatures.  Exposure to this extreme heat can result in occupational injuries or illnesses. Heat stress can result in heat rashes, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. These temperatures can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in safety glasses becoming foggy, slippery hands from sweating, dehydration, and dizziness. There are higher risk factors for workers who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, many other health complications, and some medications may increase sensitivity to higher temperatures. 

Adequate training in the recognition and prevention of Heat Stress is vital to maintaining the Health & Safety of your company.  Prevention should include:

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.
• Gradually build up to heavy work, stretching and warm up activities are recommended before starting work.
• Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day.
• Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity, mandatory break scheduling may be necessary in some manufacturing environments.
• Drink water frequently. Approximately 1 cup every 15-20 minutes to avoid feeling thirsty, is recommended by the CDC.
• Avoid alcohol.  Limit intake of caffeine, sugar, and salt.
  
• Protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress.
  
• Make available commercially manufactured cooling devices such as fans, properly installed AC Units, and Cool-It Bands or Head Wraps.
• Monitoring temperatures and physical condition of your employees continually is ideal.  Some environments may require a JHA to include the exposure to Heat and Humidity.