James Brack

Beat the Heat - Coping With a Hot Work Environment

Health and safety in the workplace is fundamental for any business, but heat related illness is often overlooked. With the summer now upon us, it is increasingly important to know what signs to look for.

Many people are at risk of heat related illness at work, often without realizing it. Contrary to popular belief it is not only those that work in direct sunlight that are at risk from such ailments, those who work inside can also be affected. The risk of heat related illness increases if you are in a new job where you are working in a hotter environment than you were previously used to, your body needs time to acclimatize to this.

The two common types of heat related illness are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These are two very different strains, with heat exhaustion being the lesser of two evils. Heat exhaustion is common in people who exercise (whether it is work or play) in a hot and humid place. This can result in a loss of body fluids through excessive sweating. The body’s temperature can reach up to 104F, but it will be unlikely to go above this temperature. Heat stroke is a more threatening medical condition where the body’s brain controlled cooling system stops working which leads to the body’s temperature rising to dangerous levels. Consequences of this can be critical, with the brain and other organs being damaged as a result in certain cases.

Some symptoms to look out for if you’re worried about yourself of a colleague at work are listed below:

1. Nausea and headache
2. Fainting and loss of consciousness
3. Thirst, fatigue and lethargy
4. Clammy skin and pale appearance
5. Weak and fast pulse

To aid the prevention of such heat related problems employers should formulate a safe and system of work making the workplace safer for everyone. This should include:

1. Isolating heat generating facilities
2. Increasing airflow and ventilation
3. Avoid working under direct sunlight and if needed set up temporary shade
4. Minimize physical work by using mechanical aids
5. Have employee rest periods in place in extremely hot weather
6. Provide cool drinking water at all times

For more advice on health and safety in the work place and to find out about first aid instructor courses available visit http://www.worksafetraining.co.uk/

Article Tags: Heat Related Illness, Heat Related, Related Illness, Heat Exhaustion

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