In a June 2003 ASSE Professional Safety journal article titled “Be Cool: Proper Attire Helps Prevent Heat Stress” Julie Copeland, a vice president with Arbill Industries -- a supplier and manufacturer of safety products and services, notes that during warm weather people working in such areas as road repair and construction, surface mining and roofing, landscaping, utility repair, etc. must be prepared to handle heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses are also a risk throughout the year for those working in places like foundries, mines, plants, etc. who may not be affected directly by the weather, but by the heat when humidity, heavy protective apparel and exhaustive labor are part of their work environment. 

“To protect workers from heat-related illnesses it is important to recognize the signs. Some of the physical effects of heat stress range from heat exhaustion, headache, dizziness, upset stomach, to severe  -- heatstroke, dry, pale skin, no sweating, hot/red skin, and seizures,” ASSE President James ‘Skipper’ Kendrick, CSP, said. “In addition, alertness and productivity may also suffer. Another danger from the heat is sweat as it may cause tools to slip out of a worker’s hands and increase the potential for electrical shock. It is important to be aware of the risk and of the precautions one can take.”

Items such as cooling pads that can be inserted into hardhats or around the neck to keep the head and neck cool can help workers reduce the negative affect of heat. Vented hard hats are another piece of equipment that can prevent heat buildup by allowing air to pass through. Neckbands soaked in cold water and worn during the day can help prevent the body’s pulse points from overheating, and, wearing cooling vests may provide relief.

Protective eyewear that features sufficient ventilation or anti-fog lens coatings is recommended for use in hot environments to reduce lens fogging from the heat. Sweatbands can also be used to prevent perspiration from dripping into the eyes.

Gloves for hand protection can be cumbersome and increase the warmth when doing outdoor work.  In her article, Copeland recommends that workers try to use gloves which offer breathability. Copeland notes that gloves with leather palms and cotton or denim backs allow for increased airflow, yet still provide protection. Some gloves feature strips of nylon mesh or are perforated at the back of the hand for breathability, Copeland writes. Also helpful are string gloves that feature palms and fingers dipped in rubber but maintain open backs that allow for ventilation without sacrificing dexterity or protection against chemicals, punctures and abrasions. As for gloves and perspiration, selecting a glove with a liner to absorb sweat would prevent perspiration buildup.

For those workers exposed to extreme heat, proper hand protection from burns is essential and depends on the application and the temperature to which workers are exposed. Copeland notes that some of the hottest environments, exceeding 900 degrees Fahrenheit, might call for a terry cloth mitt or glove, which offers multiple layers of protection. Hot mill gloves can be appropriate for a range of temperatures, depending on the weight of the fabric and the number of layers the glove has. Caution must be used as this type of protective gear can also increase the chances of heat-related symptoms.

Water loss and dehydration are another major hazard for employees working in a hot environment.  According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), workers may produce up to two to three gallons of sweat each day. NIOSH recommends that workers drink five to seven ounces of fluids every 15 to 20 minutes to replenish the body. Drinks that replace electrolytes (such as sports drinks) lost through perspiration are also effective.  Additionally, it is recommended that workers drink cool water, which is more readily absorbed in the body, and avoid coffee, tea, alcohol or soda, which act as diuretics that further deplete the body of fluid. The amount of sodium in the electrolytic drink should be monitored, as high sodium concentrations may impact employees with elevated blood pressure.

Copeland also notes that limiting work to the coolest parts of the day and allowing workers to take frequent breaks in cooler areas is important as is avoiding double shifts and overtime and educating employees about the dangers caused by excessive heat.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that in 2000 21 workers died and 2,554 others suffered heat-related occupational injuries and illnesses that resulted in time away from work. For additional information on preventing heat-related workplace illnesses contact NIOSH at 513-533-8287, www.cdc.gov/niosh or check OSHA’s new ‘Working Outdoors’ fact sheet at www.osha.gov.

Formed in 1911, the Des Plaines, IL –based American Society of Safety Engineers is the largest and oldest professional safety organization and has more than 30,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members who manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in all industries, government, labor and education. For more information check ASSE’s web site at www.asse.org.

  -- 30 --        

Click here to go back to ASSE NEWS