Heat Stress – Working in Hot Temperatures
Hot working conditions affect many workers including those employed in the trades, factories and outdoors. In Canada it seems we long for the hotter months, but once they arrive, we have to be reminded that those hot temperatures and humidex ratings can become deadly.
Our body’s reaction to heat is a natural occurrence to balance our heating and cooling abilities. As we heat up, we rid ourselves of the excess heat by sweating. If we are unable to achieve our natural cooling method our body temperature increases. When our body temperature exceeds 38 degrees Celsius our brain starts to overheat, leading to a shutdown of our body’s cooling mechanism, in other words, we stop sweating. As our temperature rapidly increases, we risk heat stroke and possibly death.
Here are some signs of heat stress that when avoided will help to keep us safe:
- Fatigue (possibly sudden and severe)
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Irritability
- Sweating (may or may not)
- Disorientation
- Confusion (including euphoria)
- Malaise or flu-like symptoms
Each person may experience different symptoms, but these common symptoms are indicators that the worker should be moved to a cool location and requires immediate medical attention.
Heat stroke
As heat is experienced in a very hot environment our reaction to it moves along the continuum of heat-related symptoms. The most serious health and safety concern is heat stroke. Heat stroke can be fatal if it is not recognized early enough and medical attention is not sought immediately. Heat exhaustion and fainting (syncope) are also types of heat related illnesses which are not fatal but can interfere with a person’s ability to work.
The victims of heat stroke are unlikely to notice the symptoms they are experiencing as dangerous symptoms. Therefore, their survival depends on co-worker’s ability to identify symptoms in others, and to get the medical assistance necessary.
When our body temperature exceeds 41 degrees Celsius and that is combined with other potential symptoms such as confusion, fast pulse, hot, dry, red skin, headache and fainting, the person may be experiencing heat stroke. Their condition should be treated as an emergency and immediate medical attention should be sought. Death may occur. To assist the victim, move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area, remove any excess clothing, fan and spray the person with cool water, offer sips of cool water if they are conscious.
Planning
Employers have a duty to take every reasonable precaution to ensure the workplace is safe for the worker. This duty includes taking effective measures to protect workers from heat stress disorders if it is not reasonably practicable to control indoor conditions adequately, or where work is done outdoors.
Certain steps can be taken to reduce discomfort. These include:
- using fans or air conditioning
- wearing light, loose fitting clothing
- taking more frequent rest breaks
- drinking cold beverages (ones that do not have caffeine or alcohol)
- allowing flexibility to permit less physically demanding activities during peak temperature periods.
- using screens or umbrellas to create shade.
Checking local reports for hot weather events and alerts will keep heat stress top-of-mind. Planning for hot work conditions will help to keep workers safe on the job.