How to Control Heat Stress at Work -Practical Tips!

How to Control Heat Stress at Work
Photo Credit: danthermgroup.com

Illnesses brought on by the heat are a problem. Remember that whether you toil year-round in hot environments like delis, manufacturing facilities, or underground tunnels, work outdoors as a forest planter within a mill, or suffer from severe high-temperature illnesses like heat exhaustion, they can develop days after you become dehydrated from high-temperature exposure. Workers’ Compensation lawyers can definitely help you with a claim.

Top indicators of heat stroke

  • Heat stress and heat stroke can both be severe heat stress symptoms, 
  • as can minor heat rash or sunburn.
  • A very high core body temperature
  • Skin that feels dry and hot because the body can not cool itself through perspiration
  • increases heart rate and breathing rate as the heart tries to maintain proper circulation when blood pressure lowers.
  • Dehydration-related headache, nausea, or vomiting that is excruciating
  • Low blood pressure from dehydration brings weakness, fainting, or dizziness, particularly if the upright position is assumed quickly.
  • Muscle pain
  • Dark urine is an indication of dehydration.
  • Uncertainty, hostility, or seeming intoxication in your behavior
  • advanced examples of pale or bluish skin due to restricted blood vessels
  • Unconsciousness or seizures

What should you do if you fear heat stroke or heat exhaustion?

  • Obtain medical help
  • Move to a cool, shaded location or an air-conditioned space
  • Remove or loosen any unneeded garments.
  • Drink a lot of refreshing water.
  • Fan and chilly water spray

How to safeguard yourself from heat exhaustion?

Use a pal system in the workplace to keep a close eye on one another and spot potential signs of heat stress because it might be challenging to self-identify heat stress in some cases.

  • Maintain your fitness
  • When feasible, stay out of the sun and heated environments when working.
  • Take breaks frequently.
  • Reapply sunblock every two hours with a minimum SPF 15 protection.
  • Cover up with a hat and long sleeves.
  • Drink more water and abstain from alcohol and excessive coffee
  • Reduce activities when in a hot environment.
  • Watch for symptoms by using the buddy system.
  • Increasing your salt consumption (if the doctor approves)

How to prevent heat stress among workers for employers?

  • Educate staff members about heat stress and CPR
  • provide access to water
  • Offer breaks for rest and cool rest spaces.
  • Post a urine color chart in the bathrooms to promote hydration
  • Encourage employees to keep active, drink water indoors, and use fans to move the air
  • Utilize machinery to lessen the physical demands of the job Schedule the most taxing tasks during cooler hours of the day 
  • Have a workplace-specific program for preventing heat stress