As we are now coming into the warmer months of the year it is important to be aware of Heat Stress.
What is heat stress?
Heat stress is the total heat burden to which the body is subjected by both external and internal factors. Heat stress causes increased blood flow to the skin, which allows the release of heat. When physical work is performed, blood is diverted to the muscles resulting in a lower release of heat through the skin.
The body must therefore balance the heat transferred into the body, the heat generated in the body and the heat coming out of the body.
Heat illness
If the body can’t balance its heat inputs, heat stress may lead to heat illness (or heat strain), a physical response designed to reduce body temperature.
Types of heat illness include:
- discomfort – flushed skin, increased sweating, heat rashes (prickly heat)
- mild heat illness – feeling tired, weak or dizzy, cramps, reduced work capacity, reduced attention span, irritability
- heat exhaustion – fainting, headache, low blood pressure, nausea, clammy, pale or flushed skin, normal to high body temperature of up to 39°C
- heat stroke – irritability, confusion, speech problems, hot dry skin, convulsions, unconsciousness, body temperature above 40°C,
- cardiac arrest – potentially fatal, a life threatening condition that requires immediate first aid and medical attention.
Are some people more prone to heat illness than others?
Some people are less tolerant of heat than others and working in hot conditions may aggravate their pre-existing illnesses and conditions. People who are at greater risk of heat illness and should heed medical advice are those who:
- are medically unfit
- are on certain medications
- overweight
- have heart disease
- are pregnant
- abuse alcohol
- are not acclimatised to the hot conditions.
Managing the risk of heat illness
In identifying, assessing and controlling risks associated with heat illness, employers should consult with workers likely to be exposed to heat as well as with any elected health and safety representatives.
Managing the risk of heat illness
In identifying, assessing and controlling risks associated with heat illness, employers should consult with workers likely to be exposed to heat as well as with any elected health and safety representatives.
Assessing the risk of heat illness
Reducing the risk of heat stress
There is a recommended order of control measures that eliminate or reduce the risks of injury or harm and often a combination of controls will be necessary.
Providing training and information
Providing personal protective clothing
https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe/working-safely-hot-conditions