How to Identify and Prevent Heat Stroke in the Workplace

With the increasing global temperatures, heat stroke is an escalating concern in workplaces, particularly in industries involving outdoor work such as construction, mining, and maintaining parks, streets, and berms. Heat stroke is a severe, life-threatening condition that arises when the body's temperature regulation fails, resulting in elevated internal body temperatures. Both employers and employees need to comprehend the risks, hazards, and preventive strategies to reduce heat-related illnesses in the workplace.

Working outdoors in high-heat

Understanding Heat Stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body is exposed to excessive heat and cannot cool down through sweating. When left untreated, it can cause damage to vital organs, including the brain, heart, and kidneys. Severe cases can result in permanent disability or death.

Heat stroke can cause damage to vital organs, including the brain, heart, and kidneys

Common Symptoms of Heat Stroke:

• High body temperature (above 104°F or 40°C)

• Confusion, dizziness, or disorientation

• Rapid heartbeat

• Nausea or vomiting

• Absence of sweating despite heat exposure

• Loss of consciousness

Workplace Hazards and Risks of Heat Stroke

High-Risk Sectors: Certain industries are more prone to heat-related illnesses due to the nature of their work, including:

1. Construction: Outdoor labor under direct sunlight increases the risk of heat exposure.

2. Agriculture: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures during harvest seasons.

3. Mining: Both surface and underground mining expose workers to extreme heat.

4. Manufacturing: Industrial environments with poor ventilation can trap heat, raising the risk of heat stress.

5. Outdoor cleaning: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures during the activity.

   
   
   
   

Key Risk Factors:

• Environmental Factors: High ambient temperature, humidity, and lack of air circulation.

• Personal Factors: Poor physical fitness, dehydration, or pre-existing health conditions.

• Work Conditions: Long hours without adequate breaks or access to water, inadequate working clothes,

Statistics on Heat Stroke

In the United States: According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), heat stroke is responsible for thousands of workplace injuries and dozens of fatalities annually.

• Between 2011 and 2019, an average of 38 fatalities per year were attributed to heat-related causes.

• Over 3,000 cases of heat-related illnesses were reported annually by private industry employers during the same period.

Between 2011 and 2019, an average of 38 fatalities per year were attributed to heat-related causes in The U.S.

In Peru: In Peru, the escalating temperatures and more frequent heat waves have sparked worries about heat stress, especially in areas such as Piura, Lambayeque, Iquitos, and Ica, where agriculture and construction are key employment sectors.

• A report by SUNAFIL (Superintendencia Nacional de Fiscalización Laboral) highlighted a 15% increase in heat-related incidents in agricultural sectors between 2022 and 2023.

• Health authorities in Lima reported a significant rise in hospital admissions due to heat-related conditions during the peak summer months.

Heat stroke can occur during outdoor work

Keys to Preventing Heat Stroke in the Workplace

Effective heat stroke prevention involves a combination of organizational measures, personal precautions, and public awareness.

Employer Responsibilities

1. Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of heat hazards in the workplace and implement control measures.

2. Provide Adequate Rest and Hydration: Ensure that workers have access to shaded rest areas and sufficient drinking water.

3. Training and Awareness: Educate workers on recognizing the symptoms of heat stress and how to respond in emergencies.

4. Implement a Heat Illness Prevention Program: Following OSHA’s recommendations, employers should develop and enforce policies for heat safety.

5. Plan work schedules outside the hours of high solar radiation if the work is outdoors.

   
   

Worker Precautions

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly, even if not thirsty, to prevent dehydration.

2. Wear Appropriate Clothing: Light, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics can help regulate body temperature.

3. Take Breaks: Rest in shaded or cool areas at regular intervals to prevent overheating.

4. Know the Signs: Be aware of the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and report any signs immediately.

Drink water regularly to prevent heat stroke

To manage this risk, it's essential to take breaks, stay hydrated, wear suitable work clothes, recognize the signs or symptoms, implement a heat illness prevention program, and have a first aid plan at workplace.

Regulatory Framework and Initiatives

In the U.S.: OSHA has developed guidelines and resources to help employers manage heat stress. The Heat Illness Prevention Campaign, launched in 2011, focuses on raising awareness about heat-related hazards and how to prevent them.

Key elements of OSHA’s heat safety guidelines include:

• Establishing a heat acclimatization program for new workers.

• Providing immediate first aid for heat-related illnesses.

• Encouraging the "Water. Rest. Shade." approach to ensure worker safety.

In Peru: SUNAFIL, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, has issued directives for companies operating in high-risk environments. These include mandatory risk assessments and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate the effects of heat. Additionally, regional health campaigns have been launched to educate workers on preventing heat-related illnesses.

Conclusion

Heat stroke poses a serious but preventable health threat in numerous workplaces. By comprehending the dangers, identifying the risks, and adopting proactive safety precautions, both employers and employees can greatly decrease the occurrence of heat-related illnesses. Being informed, prepared, and alert is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, especially in high-risk sectors.

With global temperatures on the rise, prioritizing heat safety in the workplace has become increasingly crucial. Together, we can establish safer environments where workers can excel without jeopardizing their health.

References:

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

• SUNAFIL (Superintendencia Nacional de Fiscalización Laboral, Peru)

• Ministry of Health (Peru)

• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Here you can download a poster "Prevent Heat Illness at Work" from OSHA

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Download PDF • 744KB

Is there a heat stroke prevention program at your workplace? Leave your comments below.