No matter how a worker is exposed to increased heat levels, remembering that prevention is always better than a cure is the best solution.

Nick Collins

 

Since OSHA began its national Heat Illness Prevention Campaign in 2011, an estimated 10.7 million people have received information on the signs, causes and effects of heat illness as well as ways to treat those affected by it. While 61 heat-related deaths were reported in 2011, in 2012 we began to see the effects of OSHA’s work with a decrease in deaths down to 31. Yet, add in 4,120 reported heat-related worker illnesses in 2012, and we still see that not properly monitoring workers and how they are handling the heat becomes a costly mistake.

 

What is not factored into these numbers are the injuries and loss in productivity associated with a victim of heat illness. According to a July 2011 article on EHSToday.com, “Studies show that dehydration levels of 2 percent of body weight or more impair visual motor tracking, short-term memory, attention and arithmetic efficiency. A 23 percent reduction in reaction time occurs at the 4 percent dehydration level. Such declines in cognitive performance can significantly increase the risk of work-related accidents.” The costs—whether because the signs were ignored or simply that all parties are unaware of what is happening—are incremental. From a drop in company productivity due to property or equipment damage, to a co-worker’s injuries induced by the victim’s decrease in cognitive performance, the costs go well beyond just the victim’s claim. Identifying actions and instituting policies to help minimize heat illness in your workforce, can come in a variety of options.

 

Installation of Proper Jobsite or Workplace Ventilation Equipment

Install air conditioning units, or at the minimum ventilation fans appropriate for the given work space, to help keep enclosed environment temperatures in check. For those working in outdoor conditions, providing proper shelter, such as portable pop-up tents, are easy, economical options.

 

Implementation of Heat Management Programs

Properly train and educate workers and supervisors on the risk factors, early warning signs and treatment procedures of heat illness. Mandatory periodic hydration breaks should be scheduled into workdays, with adequate sources of cool drinking water being in close proximity to work areas. Workers should drink at least one quart of water per hour; the average person sweats 2 to 3 gallons per day when working in the heat.

 

Monitoring of Job Functions Relative to Temperature and Humidity Levels

Supervisors should have access to appropriate instruments and be trained on how to properly monitor their work environment’s temperature and humidity levels. They should be prepared to take the necessary actions appropriate for their findings such as increasing employee water/shade breaks or altering work shifts to accommodate increased temperatures and humidity during the afternoon. The proper acclimatization of employees should also be factored into the training of any new employee or temporary worker or anyone returning to work after a week or more off. Since 2011, more than 74 percent of heat-related citations by OSHA have been due to improper acclimatization of new employees. Incorporating a buddy system where workers monitor each other is an easy, no-cost option.

 

Providing of Proper Heat-Related Personal Protective Equipment

To help keep core body temperatures down for those employees facing direct sun exposure during their shift, broad rim hats and absorptive or evaporative cooling clothing should be made available. Adequate sources of cool drinking water and shaded areas should also be provided. For those whose job functions require wearing heavy-duty gear or full enclosure suits, cooling vests are excellent options to help keep body temperatures down.

 

Consistently Monitor Worker Environments

Keep in mind that heat illness is not just associated with outdoor work environments. Factory and foundry workers, mechanics, plumbers, welders, kitchen and laundry workers, and even delivery drivers all can be exposed to increased levels of heat. No matter how a worker is exposed to increased heat levels, remembering that prevention is always better than a cure is the best solution. Remain vigilant, constantly monitor worker environments, provide proper heat safety equipment and continually train workers on best practices. Doing so will not only help keep your employees safe and productive on the job, but their co-workers free from unnecessary injury from decreased cognitive performance and company and customer property free from damage.

 

Nick Collins has been the Marketing Director for Ritz Safety since 2008. Located in Dayton, OH, he can be reached at (937) 684-9332 or via e-mail at [email protected]. For more information on Ritz Safety, a domestic and international safety products distributor servicing the safety needs of all types and sizes of businesses and industries, call (800) 451-3077 or visit www.RitzSafety.com.

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