Occupational Heat Stress presentation for monthly safety committee meeting as AAI intern.

1. Occupational Heat Stress

2. What is heat stress?
• The net heat burden on the body from the combination of
the body heat generated while working, environmental
sources, and clothing requirements
• Increased risk from:
– No breeze, wind or ventilation
– Radiant heat sources, like a boiler
– High humidity
– Touching hot objects
– Strenuous activity
– Hot weather
– Working directly in sun instead of shade
– Using bulky or non-breathable PPE and equipment

3. Who’s affected?
• Workers exposed to hot indoor or hot/humid
outdoor conditions
• Especially those who:
– Are new hires or suddenly exposed
– Wear PPE like respirators or suits
– Are 65+ years old
– Are overweight
– Have heart disease or high blood pressure
– Are taking medications affected by heat

4. Types of Heat Stress
• Heat Stroke
• Heat Exhaustion
• Heat Syncope
• Heat Cramps
• Heat Rash

5. Heat Stroke
• Most serious, may result in death
• Symptoms:
– Confusion, fainting, seizures, high body temp.,
excessive sweating, and/or red, hot, dry skin
• First Aid:
– Call 911 and stay until help arrives
– Provide fluids, wet worker, use ice packs/cold
compresses, fan air, move to shade, loosen
clothing

6. Heat Exhaustion
• Symptoms:
– Cool, moist skin, heavy sweating, headache,
nausea or vomiting, dizziness, light headedness,
weakness, thirst, irritability, fast heart beat
• First Aid:
– Provide fluids, use ice packs/cold compresses,
move to shade
– Go to ER if worse/not improved after an hour
– Don’t return to work that day

7. Heat Syncope
• Symptoms:
– Light-headedness, dizziness, fainting
• First Aid:
– Sit or lie down in a cool place when they begin to
feel symptoms
– Slowly drink water, clear juice, or a sports
beverage

8. Heat Cramps
• Tired muscles are usually the ones most affected,
and cramps may occur during or after working
hours
• Symptoms:
– Muscle spasms, pain
– Usually in abdomen, arms, or legs
• First Aid:
– Rest in shade, drink fluids, wait a few hours to work
– Seek medical attention if cramps don’t go away

9. Heat Rash
• “Prickly heat”
• Most common in hot work environments
• Symptoms:
– Clusters of red bumps on skin, often appearing on
neck, upper chest, or folds of skin
• First Aid:
– Try to work in a cooler, less humid environment
when possible
– Keep the affected area dry

10. Prevention
• Engineering controls • Work Practices
– AC, ventilation, cooling – Get acclimated/build
fans, etc. tolerance
• PPE – Drink cool water
– Know your increased risk – Work/rest cycles
to heat stress – Do heavy work in cooler
– Wear light, loose fitting times of day
and breathable clothing – Buddy system
• Training – Take breaks in cool areas
– Be aware! Know – Avoid large meals
prevention and first aid – Avoid caffeine and alcohol
procedures

11. Questions?