Heat stress

No matter which industry you work in, workplace safety and health are top priorities. And when you’re working in hot conditions, extra precautions need to be taken to keep yourself cool, comfortable and productive—both on the job and at home.

Working conditions aren’t always easy to predict or control. That’s where 3M comes in. We have an array of products—from coveralls to supplied air respirators—designed to help reduce heat stress, which helps decrease your risk of heat strain or even heat stroke.

Not only that, but 3M products can help minimise other negative side effects to prolonged heat exposure, including irritability, low morale, fatigue, increased risk of injury, absenteeism —all of which can be brought on by heat stress.

What Are the Heat Stress Warning Signs?

If the body cannot get rid of excess heat, it will store it. When this happens, the body's core temperature rises and the heart rate increases. As the body continues to store heat, the person begins to lose concentration and has difficulty focusing on a task, may become irritable or sick, and often loses the desire to drink. The next stage is most often fainting and even death if the person is not cooled down.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion

• Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
• Weakness
• Moist skin
• Mood changes such as irritability or confusion
• Upset stomach or vomiting

Symptoms of heat stroke

• Dry, hot skin with no sweating
• Mental confusion or losing consciousness
• Seizures or convulsions

How Do You Know If It is Too Hot?

The main factors leading to heat stress include strenuous physical activity, high air temperature, high humidity, direct contact with hot materials, and radiant heat sources. Total heat load on a body is the combination of environmental conditions, clothing, work load factors and individual physiology. The Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH) has developed a simplified thermal risk assessment that considers the workers, the job task and the environmental conditions to qualify the risk level whilst working in hot conditions.  It also allows workers and managers to judge when they should seek further assistance from an Occupational Hygienist experienced in heat stress evaluation.  The risk assessment is available as an app for smartphones or on the Queensland Government website (https://fswqap.worksafe.qld.gov.au/etools/etool/heat-stress-basic-calculator-test/).

How Can Heat-Related Illness Be Prevented?

Heat-related illnesses can be prevented. Important ways to reduce heat exposure and the risk of heat-related illness include engineering controls, such as air conditioning and ventilation that makes the work environment cooler, and work practices such as work/rest cycles, hydration programs, and providing an opportunity for workers to build up a level of tolerance to working in the heat. Excessive exposure to heat can seriously impact worker health, safety and productivity. Accurate measurement of environmental conditions along with use of PPE that can minimize or reduce worker heat load can help reduce the risk of heat strain. 3M reflective products and powered and supplied air respirators can help minimize the heat load on workers.

References

AIOH (2013) “A Guide to Managing Heat Stress”

Quick Links

https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/guide-managing-risks-working-heat

https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/injury-prevention-safety/hazardous-exposures/heat-stress

https://www.3mnz.co.nz/3M/en_NZ/worker-health-safety-nz/

Because it’s not just about protecting you while you’re on the job. It’s about helping to keep you safe and healthy so you can always be your best at work and at home.