How To Avoid Heat Related Injuries In The Workplace

High temperatures can be dangerous to people at work and can lead to injuries, illnesses, and even death. With more than 40% of heat related deaths occurring in the construction industries, OSHA has developed a smart tool to assist with identifying dangerous working conditions for workers in this field but also in any other line of business where outside temperatures play a role in your working conditions. No matter your age or physical condition heat illness can and will affect you. We have outlined a few steps to help you and your staff avoid heat related injuries at the workplace.

To protect your employees you should develop a heat illness prevention program. Below are a few of the tips we can offer you to help in protecting yourself and your employees from heat related illness.

• Water, Rest and Shade!

• WATER - There should be clean and safe drinking water located throughout the workplace making it easy and accessible for employees to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• REST - Workers should be allowed to take more frequent breaks to avoid over exposure to high heat temperatures and should, if possible, work in groups to evenly distribute the work load to avoid exhaustion.
• SHADE - There should be designated areas that provide protection from the sun and heat. If possible, the areas should have air conditioning or some type of cooler air circulating.
• Wear loose, lighter clothing allowing for more air flow throughout the day and lighter clothing will reflect the sun rather than attract it.
• Train employees on the warning signs of heat related illness. This allows for your workers to look out for one another and stop major issues before they begin.
• Monitor your team on a regular basis so you can catch any warning signs of heat related illnesses occurring. This also allows for you to view and monitor the working conditions your employees are in to make judgment calls on breaks or different assignments due to the heat.

In addition to following these steps, TIP TEMP offers our Large Digit Thermometers so you can easily view the current temperatures in your workplace. Heat related illnesses can in turn be monitored more efficiently in your work space.

Heat related illness and death does not just occur at the workplace. Heat stroke can happen in a matter of minutes to a child or animal left inside a vehicle, progressing rapidly in elderly people who do not have air conditioning or proper air circulation inside their home. TIP TEMP has a large selection of various items which help monitor and prevent heat related illnesses. To protect your home, children, pets or family members please view our heat warning light systems and ask a thermal advisor for more information.