Employees should understand the factors that lead to heat susceptibility. With temperatures rising, it is a good time to review.
Head susceptibility can be caused by:
- A combination of high temperature, direct sun, and humidity;
- Intense physical labor during peak hours; or
- Sudden hot days after cool weather conditions or workers who have not yet acclimated to the heat.
How do you protect your workers?
- Stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids – avoid caffeinated beverages as they increase heat sensitivity.
- Wear light-colored clothes with sunscreen. Also consider a wide-brimmed hat.
- Early schedules to avoid the hottest part of the day
- If strenuous tasks, increase number of workers and make sure employees take frequent breaks.
- Know the signs of heat exhaustion – headache, dizziness, weakness, wet skin, and fainting.
Frequent oversight of your employees will help to identify and treat heat sensitivity episodes.
Source: Property/Casualty 360