Working in the Heat By Kory Hildebrand Why

Working in the Heat By Kory Hildebrand

Why is heat Hazardous to workers? • When a person works in a hot environment the body gets rid of excess heat to keep a stable internal temperature • This is done mainly by circulating blood to the skin and by sweating • However when the air temperature is close to or warmer than the body, it can be very difficult to cool oneself. In this case the body will start to store the excess heat • As it begin to store the heat you will lose concentration, become irritable or sick, may faint or at worst could die • Link

Heat Stress • • • There are 5 main types of heat stress Heat Stroke Heat Exhaustion Heat Syncope Heat Cramps Heat Rash

Heat Stroke • Definition. • Symptoms. . • First Aid Steps…

Heat Exhaustion • Definition. • Symptoms. . • First Aid Steps…

Heat Syncope • Definition. • Symptoms. . • First Aid Steps…

Heat Cramps • Definition. • Symptoms. . • First Aid Steps…

Heat Rash • One of the many treatment creams is seen below • Definition. • Symptoms. . • First Aid Steps…

10 Safety tips for working in heat Drink cool water Dress appropriately Work in vented areas Work less and rest more Ask your fellow workers how they feel • Be aware of other hazards as well • • • Know the signs of heat illness and take action • Be trained in first aid • Reduce the workload for those who are more at risk • Check in with your doctor

Basic heat awareness chart • Less than 91°F Lower (Caution) Basic heat safety and planning • 91°F to 103°F Moderate Implement precautions and heighten awareness • 103°F to 115°F High Additional precautions to protect workers • Greater than 115°F Very High to Extreme Triggers even more aggressive protective measures

OSHA Recommendations for employers • Schedule hot jobs for cooler parts of days • Provide proper training to recognize heat symptoms • Provide plenty of rest periods • Monitor your employees

OSHA Recommendations for workers • • • Wear light and cool clothing Gradually build up you workload Take more breaks than usual Drink heavily Avoid caffeine and alcohol

Quick facts • You suppose to drink 16 -32 ounces of a cool drink every hour in hot environments • On average over a 1000 people a year die from high temperatures • Men are more susceptible to heat issues than women