As we approach the summer months, working in warm or hot weather must be addressed for all workers.
HOW TO COPE WITH HEAT
1. Your body is always generating heat and passing it to the environment.
2. The harder your body is working, the more heat it has to lose.
3. When the environment is hot or humid or has a source of radiant heat (for example, a furnace or the sun),
your body must work harder to get rid of its heat.
4. If the air is moving (for example, from fans) and it is cooler than your body, it is easier for your body to pass
heat to the environment.
Heat Stress
- Heat stress occurs when the body temperature rises to above 38.5C and cannot cool off
- High temperature, high humidity, heat generated from equipment, and body heat may contribute to heat
stress
- Heat stress can cause disorders ranging from heat cramps to heat stroke
- Heat stroke is very serious, as it can be fatal
Symptoms
- Irrational behaviour
- Hot, dry skin (with no sweating)
- Loss of consciousness and collapse
- Co-workers who do not know of the symptoms may think the victim is upset, intoxicated or acting strangely
PREVENTION / RECOMMENDATION
The following procedures should be considered to prevent heat stress:
1. Have drinking water available to all workers. Workers should fill water bottles for use when working in the
field. Workers should drink approximately one cup of water every 20 minutes.
2. Workers should salt food well to replenish salts lost through perspiration (check with your doctor if you are
on a low salt diet).
3. Wear clothing that is loose fitting, tightly woven, and light in colour to reflect the sunlight.
4. Do not consume excessive amounts of alcohol within 24 hours before working in a hot environment.
5. In extremely hot conditions, workers should take time out of direct sunlight or heat source more often such as
sitting in their vehicle, working in the shade, taking break/lunch periods inside.
6. Workers on medication should check with their doctor before working in extreme temperatures.
