Real-time Physiological Monitoring For Heat Strain in Workers

Enables real-time physiological monitoring of workers in hazardous environments, particularly for reducing heat stress risks. Its software application (app) can be accessed via mobile smart phones or tablets.


Risks Addressed:

The large and dynamic nature of construction jobsites makes maintaining site control a challenge, particularly complying with regulations and monitoring the safety of workers. Consequently, a real-time monitoring platform can reduce construction risks from a variety of hazards, including heat stress among workers and falls from elevation.


How Risks are Reduced:

While there is no federal standard for heat stress prevention, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommends a program of heat stress management. This includes acclimatization, early recognition of symptoms with appropriate first aid, recognition of personal risk factors, as well as carry-over effect from a previous day's exposure. In preventing heat stress and strain, the ACGIH recommends a threshold limit value (TLV) for body core temperature within +1oC of normal 37oC (98.6oF). In sum, Equivital is in the process of incorporating the ACGIH heat stress and strain TLV into the Black Ghost solution to facilitate users to comply with the TLV.

In addition, there is a free 2016 NIOSH Criteria Document “Occupational Exposure to Heat and Hot Environments" (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2016-106/default.html) that references TLV and is similar in approach to the aforementioned ACGIH TLV.

Implementing a real-time monitoring platform to monitor workers can also improve safety through hazard identification and response when a fall from elevation is detected.

Availability

Equivital Ltd.
To obtain information, visit eq02+ LifeMonitor or contact anand.vasudev@equivital.com

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2016-106
To obtain information, visit Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Heat and Hot Environments