From the library of

Frank Barnhill M.D.
 

The best cure of course is an ounce of prevention!

Since about 40% of heat related illnesses occur on the job or in the workplace, it’s obvious we should try to prevent them instead of just treating them as they occur. Doing so will of course save the person involved a lot of suffering and financial burden from medical bills and lost wages, and at the same time, improves employee satisfaction with their workplace.

Now, let’s take a look at the ounce of prevention.

The best prevention is knowledge and training.

• You should ask and document the health status and medication use of every employee. This information should be up dated every 3-4 months and readily available to your plant nurse or supervisors.
• Every employee should receive handouts detailing the causes of heat related illnesses, instructions on prevention and common first aid advice.
• Supervisors should be trained to spot early warning signs of heat cramps so that progression does not occur. Looking for shortness of breath, rapid heart rate and excessive flushing and elevated skin temperature are red flags.

Specific steps to avoid heat related disorders include:

• Impressing employees with the need for increased water intact of two quarts every four hours during hot spells
• Providing ample water and/or water bottle to keep at employee’s side for slow continuous hydration
• Insure adequate air flow through all work areas using high volume fans or air conditioners to assist with evaporation of sweat
• Provide bulk coolers of salt containing sports drinks for use when water doesn’t quench their thirst
• Allowing staff to dress as lightly as possible, avoiding tight fitting, clinging clothing, using shorts and buttoned shirts when possible, T-shirts can be both tight and clinging and decrease sweat evaporation and if possible avoid hats and long hair
• Encouraging staff to decrease smoking and caffeine intact during heat spells and times of heavy exertion
• Having emergency showers available that can be used as cool off zones for those past the heat cramp stage
• Allowing use of refrigerator freezer packs for application to neck or forehead
• Staggering frequent 5 minute cool off breaks in a much cooler area
• Asking supervisors to physically check each employees well being every two hours in hot periods to include asking how they feel and what there pulse/heart is doing

These bullet points should give you a good idea of ways to protect your staff, yourself and your business from the stress of heat related illnesses.

Goods luck!