Heat Stress

A weather report on Sunday said the we are now officially at the start of a typical Houston Summer: highs temps in mid-upper 90s, low in mid 70s to mid 80s yes, that is a perfect description of a typical southeast Texas Summer.  And many other places around the world, for that matter.

Heat-related illness (Heat stress) happens when the body is not able to cool itself and the body overheats.  Heat stress can cause injury, disability or death, but it is preventable.  OSHA has a strong focus for 2011 and an excellent page dedicated the subject: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/edresources.html.

Be aware of two kinds of Heat Stress: Heat Exhaustion, a serious condition and Heat Stroke, a medical emergency requiring immediate care.  The above OSHA page has a good number of publications in both English and Spanish.  See the OSHA•NIOSH Information sheet at: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha-niosh-heat-illness-infosheet.pdf for basic details about prevention, symptoms and treatment of the various heat-related conditions.

Before workers have symptoms is the time to take action with prevention.  Work in the shade wherever possible, make sure the workers have water and drink small amounts frequently.  Sport drinks that replace electrolytes are good, but plain water is best overall.  Sugared and carbonated drinks are better than nothing, but a poor choice for dealing with heat illness prevention.  Take frequent cool-down breaks.  Be most aware (and take more preventive action) when employees are doing heavy work in direct sunlight.

OSHA has clear standards for protecting workers from Heat Stress hazards.  Train your workers in the hazards and in preventing their own exposure.  The resources page above includes information in employee’s “language of understanding” – spoken and educational level.

See our Web page: SafetyRich