Workplace heat stress is a commonly reported occupational injury which can lead to serious medical outcomes. If you work in a hot environment, here’s what you need to know!

What is Heat Stress?

According to the The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), occupational heat stress is the overall “net load” to which a worker is exposed to various avenues of heat – such as environmental (external) temperature, metabolic heat, and the type of clothing worn on the job. Heat stress is triggered when a person is exposed to one or more of these avenues of heat for an unsafe or extended period of time, which leads to various health risks, injury, and even illness.

Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat rash and extreme dizziness and fatigue are among the more common risks one faces when enduring workplace heat stress. It’s important to note that prolonged exposure can increase the severity of the heat-related illness experienced. While heat stress alone may only lead to cramps, rashes and severe thirst, heat exhaustion or stroke can lead to more serious injuries such as vomiting, severe headaches, and even loss of consciousness.

Who’s Most at Risk in the Workplace?

According to the CDC Heat and Health Tracker, there are over 65,000 annually reported hospital, urgent care, or ER visits resulting from heat stress. Over 700 of these on average results in death. Workers at the greatest risk of heat stress include those occupations who are consistently exposed to hot elements, environments, or who frequently wear heavy PPE. Firefighters, police officers, construction workers, factory/plant workers, and even bakers are a few of these occupations heavily exposed to heat stress and heat stress-related illnesses.

According to NIOSH, workers 65 years of age or older are within the highest risk category if exposed to prolonged heat on the job. Further, workers who are overweight, have heart complications, breathing disorders, high blood pressure, or taking certain medications can also be at higher risk. These categories are also among the most reported to experience an occupational injury from heat stress, or contract a heat-related illness.

Tips to Stay Safe

Wear PPE, but monitor yourself:

There are in fact certain PPE ensembles that can increase one’s risk of heat stress and illness. Boots, gloves, gowns, and masks for example are all important for safety, but can increase heat risk if worn for too long without a proper break. It’s important to limit your PPE-related heat burden if possible, and if not, take frequent breaks while on the job to mitigate injury.

Stay hydrated:

Dehydration is one of the leading causes of workplace heat stress injuries, and is one of the quickest expediters of them. Invest in a camel back (if safe and possible to wear), stay stocked up on water and electrolyte rich-fluids, and monitor your intake every hour.

Limit continuous exposure:

Limiting exposure to heat often isn’t an option for some occupations. However, limiting how long you’re exposed at once is an easy way to avoid heat-related illnesses. Often when a deadline is persistent or demand is high, breaking from an exposed environment can be put off. Don’t fall victim to this mentality.

Slowly get acclimated:

If repeated exposure is part of the job, introducing yourself (or if you’re an employer, introducing an employee) to a heated environment gradually rather than suddenly is a safe way to build up tolerance. This practice increases sweat efficiency, and helps stabilize circulation.

Lookout for others:

Especially with new team members, it’s important to keep an eye out for those around you, especially when working in close proxemity. If you are fluent in heat-safe practices, help your team members get accustomed to the same mainstays!