Heat Stress in the Work Place
Heat Stress in the Work Place!
Eastern Kentucky University
Heat Stress is the exposure to extreme heat or working in hot environments. Workers who are exposed to this may be at risk of heat stress. Heat Stress can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. “Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness. Burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam.” (Prevention, 2014)
Employees that are at risk of exposure to heat stress include outdoor workers and those who work in hot environments like construction workers, firefighters, military personnel, miners, factory workers, life guards, farmers, boiler room operators and many others. The workforce that is 65 years of age or older, overweight, those who have heart disease or high blood pressure , and take medication that might be affected by extreme heat situations.
Ways to help prevent these types of issues is proper training to all employees who work at your job site to understand and recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress issues. We will go over the different types of heat stress issues.
Heat Stroke is the most serious of the heat-related disorders. This occurs when the body is unable to control its own temperature: “the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.” (Prevention, 2014)
Heat Stroke symptoms:
High body temperature. A body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher is the main sign of heatstroke.
A lack of sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in
Eastern Kentucky University
Heat Stress is the exposure to extreme heat or working in hot environments. Workers who are exposed to this may be at risk of heat stress. Heat Stress can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. “Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness. Burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam.” (Prevention, 2014)
Employees that are at risk of exposure to heat stress include outdoor workers and those who work in hot environments like construction workers, firefighters, military personnel, miners, factory workers, life guards, farmers, boiler room operators and many others. The workforce that is 65 years of age or older, overweight, those who have heart disease or high blood pressure , and take medication that might be affected by extreme heat situations.
Ways to help prevent these types of issues is proper training to all employees who work at your job site to understand and recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress issues. We will go over the different types of heat stress issues.
Heat Stroke is the most serious of the heat-related disorders. This occurs when the body is unable to control its own temperature: “the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.” (Prevention, 2014)
Heat Stroke symptoms:
High body temperature. A body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher is the main sign of heatstroke.
A lack of sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in