Thousands of workers every year become sick from exposure to heat – some even die. The thing we should understand is that these illnesses and deaths are preventable! Each year, we strive to bring helpful information about how to survive seasonal weather, and the elements that workers and all of us are exposed to. This spring has already brought extremely hot conditions to parts of the country, and several persons have lost their lives.
Today we are focusing on raising awareness of the risks of working in hot environments to both employers and employees, with the intent of reducing those risks. Everyone should be able to recognize safety and health hazards of working in extreme heat, things that increase the risk of heat-related illness, signs and symptoms of illness, first aid, and preventive measures that decrease the risk of heat-related illness.
When workers are exposed to air temperatures that are warm or warmer than our skin, sweating becomes the primary means of maintaining a constant body temperature. If conditions of high humidity exist, however, the sweat is decreased and it makes it harder for the body temperature to adjust. If employers will allow workers a gradual time to adjust to this hot environment progressively, (about 5-7 days), there should be fewer heat-related illnesses. Those who are not given time to adjust may be more likely to feel the effects of these illnesses. In reality, most of the time, workers are exposed to the heat from Day One. One of the most important things to remember when working in hot conditions is to stay hydrated by drinking water often. Resting in a shady place and working earlier in the day will also improve work conditions. Remember, drinking water on a regular basis puts less strain on the cardiovascular system.
Excessive exposure to a hot environment can bring about a variety of heat-related health problems and illnesses, such as heat cramps, fainting, heat rash and heat exhaustion. An employee that suffers from heat exhaustion may still sweat, but these other signs and symptoms may appear, such as:
Headache
Dizziness
Weakness
Feeling sick to stomach, vomiting
Mood changes (confused or irritable)
Decreased and dark-colored urine
Light-headedness or fainting
Pale, clammy skin
Employers must outline the proper personal protective equipment required for their employees to be able to handle the heat. Polarized safety glasses are needed to protect the eyes from UV rays, and if hardhats are part of the PPE, there are cloth neck shields and sunshields that attach to them. Plenty of sunscreen should be used, an abundance of water should be available. Some companies choose Gatorade to help their workers stay hydrated, also.
Even though OSHA does not have a specific standard for heat stress, employees are protected under the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act because heat-related illnesses are a serious hazard. The General Duty Clause states that employers are required to “provide a place of employment free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to its employees.” Persons who work either outdoors, or indoors in hot buildings, seem to have accidents more often than in moderate temperatures. If a person becomes overheated, the effect may be mental confusion, tiredness, and irritability. These conditions can result in poor judgment and unsafe practices.
Yesterdays’ installment discussed the causes of heat-related illness and symptoms to watch for. These are ways that employers can protect their employees:
Train all employees to know the signs and symptoms and how to respond;
Schedule the hardest work during the coolest part of the day;
Encourage the buddy system; (working in pairs)
Furnish cool water and ask employees to drink one cup every 15 to 20 minutes;
also encourage them to wear light-colored, loosing fitting clothing;
Reduce radiant heat by placing shields around hot machines or furnaces;
Discourage employees from eating large meals or consuming caffeine before and during work in hot environments;
Increase the amount of insulation on furnace walls;
Open windows and doors;
Use exhaust ventilators or air blowers;
Lower humidity levels by installing exhaust hoods over areas that release moisture; and
Provide tools and equipment that reduce physical demands on employees.
Here are several ways to treat victims of heat exhaustion:
Provide cool water to drink;
Move them to a cool, shaded area;
Fan the person;
Cool the skin with a wet cloth;
Loosen and remove heavy clothing;
If he/she is dizzy, lay victim on his/her back and raise their legs 6” to 8”.
If she/he is nauseated, lay victim on his/her side.
Stay with the victim.
Call for emergency help if the victim doesn’t feel better in a short time. If heat exhaustion is not treated, the illness may advance to heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness.
Signs of a heat stroke are:
Dry pale skin (no sweating);
Hot red skin;
Mood change, (confused, irritable)
Collapse/unconsciousness;
Seizures, fits.
Prompt first aid for someone suffering the symptoms of heat stroke should include the same first aid for heat exhaustion, plus: Call for emergency help; lay victim on his/her back unless he/she is unconscious; remove any objects close by if victim has a seizure; provide cool water to drink if conscious; and place ice packs under armpits and in the groin area.
Employees are at increased risk for heat-related illness when they:
Are dehydrated or fatigued
.Use improper work methods;
Have infrequent exposure to hot temperatures and high humidity;
Are over the age of 40;
Use certain medications (antihistamines, diuretics, and some tranquilizers)
Are in poor physical condition or overweight;
Have used drugs/alcohol within the past 24 hours prior to working in the heat;
Have heat rash or sunburn;
Have had prior heat-related illnesses;
Wear too much or restrictive clothing.
If you happen to have a heat-related incident or if a co-worker experiences any of the symptoms we have described, this knowledge is invaluable. For those supervisors who are fortunate to work in an air-conditioned atmosphere, do all you can to keep your employees as safe and comfortable as possible. In a building, large fans will at least circulate the air.
Source: OSHA, Texas Department of Insurance
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