Take Heat Safety Seriously

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023 there were 55 workplace fatalities due to heat exposure. Heat safety continues to remain a priority for organizations like OSHA and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. With summer in full swing and temperatures on the rise, it is essential for employers to be aware of heat safety and mitigate injury and illness associated with hot working conditions.

A critical component in promoting heat safety is general awareness and recognizing the signs of heat illness. Even short periods of heat exposure can lead to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat syncope, heat rash, muscle breakdown, and acute kidney injury. Common warning signs that someone may be suffering heat-related illness include:

• Confusion

• Slurred Speech

• Rapid Heart Rate

• Fatigue or Muscle Weakness

• Dizziness or Lightheadedness

• Irritability

If someone is experiencing heat illness it is important to try and cool the body down immediately. Guide the employee to a shaded or air conditioned area and apply cold compresses to the head, neck, and trunk. Using fans to circulate air can enhance the cooling process by promoting evaporation of sweat and moist air near the skin.

It is important to consider the compounding safety concerns that heat illness may pose in the workplace. If an employee is operating machinery and they suffer heat illness it could result in a severe safety incident. For example, someone operating a forklift might strike equipment or a pedestrian; an employee working on an order picker at height may fall; and those operating manufacturing equipment may suffer bodily harm. Another area of warehouse operations that should not be overlooked is the loading dock. Trailers can get very hot in the sun and pose risks when workers are loading and unloading material. Extra precaution should be taken when employees must work in direct sunlight or in a yard area.

People experience heat differently and those with underlying medical conditions may be more prone to heat illness and have more severe complications. Additionally, the temperature is not a complete indicator of overall heat. Relative humidity can affect how hot it actually feels and therefore it is recommended to consider the heat index as developed by the National Weather Service.

Heat illness is preventable and can be mitigated with a combination of PPE (personal protective equipment), administrative controls, and engineering strategies. When applicable, employees should wear sun protective clothing, loose/breathable clothing, and utilize cooling towels. Employers should provide ample water sources and consider more break time or shift changes as needed. Engineering controls such as fans, air conditioning, and shade should be available for workers exposed to hot environments.

More information on Heat Safety can be found Here.