5 Tips to Reduce Heat Exposure
Millions of U.S. workers are exposed to heat elements in their workplace each year. Hazardous heat exposure can occur both indoors, outdoors, and across multiple industries.
Workers are often required to work in the heat for long periods of time. Many that are just starting out are not used to the amount of heat they are exposed to and are the most susceptible to heat illness. There are two types of heat-related illnesses may occur if the body is unable to regulate its temperature such as:
What Are the Signs of Heat Illness?
If heat dissipation does not happen quickly, the internal body temperature will continue to rise, and workers may experience symptoms that include, but are not limited to:
What to Do When Workers Experience Symptoms?
Never leave a worker with heat illness alone. The illness can take a rapid turn for the worse. When any signs are present, follow these steps:
How Can Heat Illness Be Prevented?
Heat illness is preventable. It's important to gradually build a tolerance to the heat over time through a process called heat acclimatization. According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), the gradual intensity of the heat exposure could take 1-2 weeks for workers to acclimate. Follow these five tips to prevent worker heat exposure:
Under OSHA's General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1), employers are required to provide a safe workspace that "is free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious harm to employees." The employer should be up to date on industry hazards and create a safety plan. Not every state requires a heat illness plan. It's a good idea to have one in place anyway. Below are some important elements to consider when creating a plan:
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