As we enter the hottest months of the year, it is vital to remain hypervigilant in monitoring for heat stress. Heat stress can increase the risk of injuries and is a serious condition that occurs when the body can no longer control its internal temperature causing a multitude of dangerous effects. People can experience heat rash, cramps, exhaustion, and stroke. Aldridge employees are trained annually through a comprehensive Heat Stress Prevention Program which provides extensive awareness through best practice education.
Causes of Heat Stress:
Dehydration
Lack of airflow
Sun exposure
Hot and crowded situations
Heat Index
Aldridge employees are provided a heat guide that shows what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature. When the body gets too hot, it begins to perspire or sweat to cool itself off. An excessive amount of sweating in extremely hot temperatures can lead to heat stress, hyperthermia, heat stroke, and many more negative effects. It is extremely important to be aware of your surroundings and prepare for the temperature you will be working in. This will allow for a safe schedule encouraging everyone to take proper care of themselves and each other. Also, ensuring equipment is safe to use and any modification needed to be implemented for the day's work based on extreme weather conditions.
Low-risk conditions are to be handled with caution. This occurs when the heat index is between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Moderate risk conditions are to be handled with extreme caution. This occurs when the heat index is between 91 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
High-risk conditions = DANGER. This occurs when the heat index is 103 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit
Very high to extreme risk conditions = EXTREME DANGER This occurs when the heat index is greater than 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Best Practices
Heat-related illnesses can be life-threatening, making it imperative to minimize those dangers! It is important that everyone is aware of methods to control heat stress. Anyone working in high temperatures should reduce heat stress by implementing work practice tools.
Develop and effectively communicate a work plan:
Environment assessment: Heat index, indoors/outdoors, sunlight/shade, air movement
Assess the level of physical need to perform the task at hand
Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
Plan and supervise
Buddy system: Workers care for, observe, and report each other for signs of heat intolerance
Schedule frequent breaks: Limit time in the heat or increase recovery time in a cool environment
Those not yet acclimated to working in high heat should take more breaks.
Ensure everyone knows how to recognize hazards
Reducing Risks
Provide medical aids
Prevent dehydration
Provide and drink lots of cold water
Consuming electrolytes (Pedialyte)
Eat smaller meals more often and cold meals such as salads
Adjust work schedules: Consider earlier start times, night or evening shifts, or even split shifts.
Training: All Aldridge are required to undergo Heat Stress Training before going out in the field. Workers should be able to:
Recognize signs and symptoms and be able to administer first aid
Ensure proper care and use of heat-protective clothing and equipment
Understand the effects of drugs, alcohol, preexisting health conditions
Understand the importance of immediately reporting symptoms of heat stress in oneself and others
Acclimatization
Identify who is at risk. High-risk individuals include those who have heart disease, diabetes, obesity, or use certain medication and/or alcohol.
Monitor Health
Aldridge provides job sites with cooling trailers to prevent heat stress. These are designed to move from one job site to another, containing cooling and misting fans for workers to take frequent breaks and cool down.
It’s easy to experience heat stress, but with these quick tips, you can do your best to stay prepared and vigilant in the monitoring of your health and that of those around you. Stay cool and stay safe!