Heat Stressit is more

THAN A SAFETY REMINDER it is a Lesson in PREVENTION in

the WORKPLACE

EVERY YEAR

Every year, thousands of workers are adversely affected by occupational heat exposure, and many will even die. Though it is a common workplace issue, heat stress often goes unnoticed because most workplaces associate it with employees who work outside during the heat of the summer. But heat-related illnesses can and do cause major problems for individuals who are required to work in indoor work environments such as steel foundries, boiler rooms, bakeries, and even commercial kitchens. In fact, any environment that requires workers to be exposed to excessive high temperatures that are caused by radiant heat sources, contact with hot objects, strenuous physical activities, high humidity, etc. can increase the potential for heat-related illness.

Definitions

• Heat Stress

– Net heat gain

– Rise in body temperature

– Heat cramps

– Heat exhaustion

– Heat Stroke

Definitions

• Acclimatization

– Modification of body functions

– Copes more effectively and efficiently with heat

Definitions

• Unacclimatized Worker

– Not accustomed to working in hot environment

Definitions

• Engineering Controls

– Physical arrangements of work

– Alterations to the workplace

– Use of equipment, materials

Definitions

• Administrative Controls

– Changing the way work is done

Regulation

Legislative Section .

– Measure and assess

– Establish controls

– Provide education and training

– Provide responses to exposure

– Special provisions for firefighters

Responsibilities

• Employer

– Conduct heat stress assessment

– Provide controls

– Maintain records

– Ensure first aid available

Responsibilities

• Managers / Supervisors

• Post signage

• Ensure workers are trained

Responsibilities

• Supervisors

– Ensure workers are aware of the risks

– Be aware of workers’ acclimatization status

– Address over-exposure

– Provide PPE if required

Responsibilities

• Workers

– Follow control measures and safe work procedures

– Leave hot environments if symptoms appear

Responsibilities

• Joint Health & Safety Committee

• Advise the employer

• Help evaluate workplace conditions

• Address worker complaints

• Help with investigations as required

• Conduct inspections as required

Responsibilities

• Fire Department

– Requirements for exemption from program

– Instruction and training

– Work procedures

– Specialized PPE

Hazard Identification

• Hazard Identification considers:

– The environment

– Tasks being done

– Clothing and equipment used

Hazard Identification

• Identification of hazards includes review of:

– Incident investigations and reports

– Type of work being done

– Environmental temperature conditions

– Clothing and equipment used

– Expressed worker concerns

Hazard Identification

• Review of Records and Statistics

– Previously identified at risk work areas

– Expressed concerns

– Incident investigations

– Incidents from other similar employers

Hazard Identification

• Environmental factors

– Temperatures greater than 23°C

– Indoor or outdoor job

– Radiant heat – sunlight

– Heat for entire shift?

– Humidity levels

Hazard Identification

• Clothing

– Affect evaporation of sweat

– Affects body’s ability to remove heat

– Are they permeable to air or water?

– Multiple layers

Hazard Identification

• Personal Risk Factors

– Lack of acclimatization

– Poor physical fitness

– Obesity

– Increased age

– Pre-existing medical conditions

Hazard identification

• Personal Risk Factors – continued

– Short term disorders and minor illness

– Chronic skin disorders

– Use of medication

– Alcohol and drugs

– Previous heat stroke

Risk Assessment

• Heat stress risk assessment

– Assessment factors

– Interpretation

– Supplementary measurements

Risk Assessment

• Assessment factors

– Workload (Metabolic rating)

– Environmental temperatures

– Clothing and equipment

– Acclimatization

Risk Assessment

• Assessment

– Wet Bulb Globe Temperature or WBGT

– Interpretation of results

Controlling the Risk

• Engineering Controls

– Reduce worker activity

– Cover or insulate hot surfaces

– Shield workers from radiant heat

– Provide air conditioning

– Provide fans

– Reduce humidity

Controlling the Risk

• Administrative Controls

– Acclimatize workers

– Supervision of workers

– Schedule work to minimize heat exposure

– Drink

– Dress appropriately

Controlling the risk

• Acclimatize workers

Controlling the Risk

• Supervise Workers

– Work in pairs or groups

– Ensure first aid is available

– Establish emergency procedures

Controlling the Risk

• Work Scheduling

– Work-Rest Cycles

– Schedule to minimize heat exposure

Controlling the Risk

• Re-Hydrate

– Must replenish fluid lost by sweat

– Drink continuously throughout day

– Employer must provide cool drinking water

Controlling the Risk

• Clothing

– Suitable for the conditions

– Loose fitting

– Breathability

Heat Stress Illnesses

• Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

– Heat Cramps

– Heat Exhaustion

– Heat Stroke

Heat Stress Illnesses

• Heat Cramps – Symptoms

– Excessive sweating

– Painful muscle cramps

Heat Stress Illnesses

• Heat Cramps – Causes

– Dehydration

– Loss of salt (electrolytes)

Heat Stress Illnesses

• Heat Cramps – Treatment

– Move to cool area

– Loosen clothing

– Drink cool, salted water

Heat Stress Illnesses

• Heat Exhaustion – Symptoms

– Shallow respiration

– Increased respiratory rate

– Weak, rapid pulse

– Cool, pale, clammy skin

– Weakness, fatigue dizziness

– Headache / nausea / fainting / cramps

Heat Stress Illnesses

• Heat Exhaustion – Causes

– Insufficient water intake

– Insufficient salt intake

– Break down in body’s cooling system

Heat Stress Illnesses

• Heat Exhaustion – Treatment

– Move to cooler area

– Provide cool water to drink

Heat Stress Illnesses

• Heat Stroke – Symptoms

– Hot, dry, flushed skin

– Absence of sweating

– Agitation, confusion

– Decreased level of consciousness

– Headache

– Nausea and vomiting

– Seizures, shock, cardiac arrest

Heat Stress Illnesses

• Heat Stroke – Causes

– Body overheats

– Above 41C body sweating stops

– Body temperature continues to rise

– Cannot dissipate heat

Heat Stress Illnesses

• Heat Stroke – Treatment

– Maintain airway, breathing, circulation

– Move to coolest place available

– Lay worker down

– Remove outer clothing

– Apply cold water to worker

– Provide fluids if conscious

– Transport to medical aid

Heat Stress Illnesses

• Prevention - for all heat stress illnesses

– Reduce activity levels in hot weather

– Ensure you are getting enough salt

– Drink fluids throughout the workday

– Ensure you are acclimatized

– Watch out for each other

Heat Stress Illnesses

• Fluid replacement

– Thirst is not an indicator

– Once dehydrated hard to catch up

– Drink 150 ml every 15 minutes

– Use electrolyte replacement

– Do not use salt tablets

Summary

• We have discussed:

– Definitions

– State/Provincial regulatory requirements

– Responsibilities

Summary

• We have discussed – continued

– Identification of hazards

– Assessment of risks

– Risk Control

– Symptoms, causes and treatment of heat stress illnesses