Heat Stress

Heat stress hazards are among the most neglected health hazards in the workplace. People have a tendency to equate heat stress with just being hot and uncomfortable. But it is much more. Heat stress is a serious health hazard. Death and serious injuries can and do result everyday to thousands of workers.

Heat Stress Factors:

· Environmental conditions: High air temperature, humidity, radiant heat from equipment can quickly raise your internal body temperature

· Workload: Working for extended times, heavy lifting, repetitive lifting, or actions likely to cause your body to expend a lot of energy raises your internal body

· Clothing: Heavy clothing impedes your body's ability to get rid of heat. If you're working outdoors, you're more likely to feel the heat if you're wearing dark colors.

· Age: The older you are, the more at-risk you are for a heat disorder. Workers over 40 have an increased risk. Total body water decreases with age.

· Weight: Increased layers of fat prevent your body from efficiently releasing heat and your body surface to body weight ratio is less favorable for heat release.

· Drugs and alcohol: Should never be used on the job. Alcohol causes you're body to dehydrate faster. Caffeine and other drugs cause your body to lose water faster.

· History: If you've had a heat-related illness in the past, you are much more likely to have another occurrence than someone who hasn't suffered a heat-related illness

Heat Stress Prevention Tips:

· Drink Water: Drink 5 to 7 ounces of fluids every 15 to 20 minutes to replenish fluids lost by sweating in hot conditions

· Acclimatize: It may take 3-5 days for your body to get used to working in hot conditions

· Clothing: Wear light colored and light weight clothing.

· Rest Cycles and Habits: Take occasional breaks in the shade to let your body recover. Try to perform the most stressful tasks during the cooler parts of the day. Eat light, cool meals during work and your heaviest meal in the evening or when your work day is over. Get sufficient sleep

Safety is no accident!

For more information, please visit the AMERIND Safety Services website at http://www.amerindrisk.org/Safety.aspx or contact the Safety Team at 800.352.3496.