Solution Summary: Heat Stress Program
Risks Addressed:
Heat-related illnesses are caused by working in high temperatures, high humidity and/or direct sun for an extended period of time. Thousands of outdoor workers suffer from heat-related illnesses each year. In addition, many workers die from heat induced illnesses each year. In 2010 alone, 30 workers died from heat stroke.
In hot environments, the body releases excess heat to maintain a stable internal temperature by circulating blood to the skin and through sweating. If the body cannot get rid of excess heat, it will store it and the body's core temperature rises and the heart rate increases. When the body continues to store heat, the person begins to lose concentration and has difficulty focusing on a task, may become irritable or sick, and often loses the desire to drink water. Then, fainting, and even death, can occur if the person does not cool down (OSHA Fact Sheet).
Heat stress can lead to many different conditions, including, but not limited to, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, heat cramps, and/or heat rash. Prevention of heat stress in workers is important (CDC Heat Stress).
How Risks are Reduced:
The risk of heat-related illness and injury is reduced by increasing management and worker awareness of the hazards, and ensuring that water, shade and more frequent rest periods are provided.
Availability
Enviroguard Safetemp Sensor
To obtain information, visit Safetemp
or contact 1-800-345-5972 orders@int-enviroguard.com
State Plans
To obtain information, visit California §3395. Heat Illness Prevention in Outdoor Places of Employment and Minnesota 5205.0110 INDOOR VENTILATION AND TEMPERATURE IN PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT and Washington 5205.0110 INDOOR VENTILATION AND TEMPERATURE IN PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT
OSHA Heat Safety Tool Application
This app allows workers and supervisors to calculate the heat index for their worksite, and, based on the heat index, displays a risk level to outdoor workers.
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/heat_index/heat_app.html
3M
To obtain information, visit QUESTemp 46 Heat Stress Monitor
or contact 1-800-752-8472
NIOSH Workplace Solutions Sheet
The National Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published a series of “Workplace Solutions”, which are easy-to-understand recommendations from NIOSH research results. Related to this Construction Solution, please find more information on:
Preventing Heat-related Illness or Death of Outdoor Workers and Criteria for a Recommended Standard Occupational Exposure to Heat and Hot Environments
OSHA
This guide offers recommended practices to protect against the spread of COVID-19 and the risk of heat-related illness.
COVID-19 Guidance on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings while Working Outdoors in Hot and Humid Conditions