Heat stress occurs when our body becomes overheated and is unable to cool itself down enough to keep a healthy temperature.Heat can be generated internally through muscle use or externally by the environment, or a combination of the two. Heat stress can lead to other problems such as, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat cramps, or heat rash. The body has three natural mechanisms to defend itself from the heat: Breathing, sweating, and changing blood flow; however, sometimes these defense mechanisms are not enough, and the body's temperature continues to rise.
Many occupations require workers to be exposed to environments of high heat, in both indoor and outdoor settings. Unfortunately, “every year thousands of workers become sick from occupational heat exposure, and some are fatally injured (osha.gov)”. The CDC reports an average of 658 American deaths each year, due to extreme heat.
Working in hot conditions leave workers at risk to heat related illness and can cause them to be slower and less productive. According to NASA, when temperatures reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit, a person's output drops by 45%.
Preventing heat stress, can protect workers health, improve worker safety, and increases worker productivity!
Drink plenty of water and electrolytes. -It is recommended to drink a ½ quart of water per hour (that is equivalent to: 1 Pint per hour, or 2 cups per hour, or 16 Fl oz per hour)
Sip water many times throughout the day (every 15 mins), rather than gulp down lots of liquids fewer times per day.
Avoid beverages that contain alcohol, soda, caffeine or other diuretics
Wear loose-fitting lightweight, light colored clothing
Wear head gear that provides shade
Try to eat fewer warm foods, and more cooler foods
Take 10-15 minute breaks every 2 hours
Use cooling fans or other personal cooling devices, such as cooling vests Use technology like HyperKewl
Provide cold beverages (water and/or sport drinks)
Provide rest breaks and water breaks in cool areas
Provide heat stress training to employees and supervisors. Including information about prevention, symptoms and what to do in the event of an emergency
Provide protective attire, such as cooling vests and accessories
Provide technology like HyperKewl (http://www.techniche-intl.com/technologies/hyperkewl/) in conditions with high airflow and lower humidity
Provide Technology like CoolPax (http://www.techniche-intl.com/technologies/coolpax/) in conditions with high humidity, low to no airflow, and under protective gear (PPE) such as welding suits.
When possible, provide fans or other means to circulate airflow
When possible schedule work when the temperature is cooler (i.e. Early mornings)
Be sure to allow workers to take 10-15 minute breaks every two hours
Techniche is committed to reducing the risk of heat stress in the workplace. Our wearable cooling products are designed to target key areas of the body in order to cool the wearer and reduce the risks of working at high temperature.
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