Extreme heat events have been increasing in frequency, duration, and magnitude and are expected to continue to rise. They are also occurring in areas where the local population may not be familiar with such events and the implications. While heat management has been an occupational priority in many industries for years, the issue is now impacting all organizations – whether their employees work inside or out.
Organizations are now prioritizing heat management for three reasons. First, the safety of their employees is paramount, and ensuring an effective management process is critical. Second, heat management is a requirement in many jurisdictions and business operations. And finally, an effective heat management program will reduce risk and improve productivity.
Heat can cause illness and death. It can occur indoors or outdoors, and in any season. Employees may experience heat illness at temperatures much lower than heat advisories because physical activity increases heat stress. While anyone can experience heat illness, some may be at higher risk, particularly those with underlying health conditions or poor fitness.
An effective Heat Management Program relies on three factors. First, effective monitoring of environmental heat levels. Second, ensuring effective clothing is being worn. Thirdly, by monitoring the biometrics of the employees exposed.
Environmental Heat Monitoring
Routine temperature readings (C and F) are not acceptable in monitoring heat. The Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) is the gold standard. WBGT measures heat stress in direct sunlight, taking into account temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover. Like routine temperature, WBGT will increase and decrease over the course of the day and should be monitored like routine temperature. WBGT readings can be found through online sources and can also be monitored via on-site hardware.
Individual Heat Factors
Heat stress is also influenced by a number of individual factors. These include workload effort and duration, effectiveness of clothing and use protective gear, non-environmental heat sources, and individual health factors. Individual health factors include whether the employee has accommodated to the local heat environment, their level of physical fitness, whether they have underlying health conditions and their level of hydration. New wearables can also monitor personal internal temperatures.
In the U.S.A., OSHA is focusing on heat safety in the workplace and will be conducting more worksite audits under its National Emphasis Program for Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards.
Emergency Action Plan
Establish a worksite emergency action plan that outlines how to recognize the signs of heat illness, provide first aid or immediate cooling measures, and contact emergency medical services. Ensure all employees know the emergency action plan and conduct regular “refresher” training (especially during heat advisories).
Components of a Heat Management Program
- WBGT: linked to activities and accommodations.
- Acclimation: CDC / NIOSH has recommendations.
- Hydration: Provide an adequate and accessible supply of cool, potable water, cups, electrolyte drinks and toilet facilities.
- Work Effort and Rest: linked to WBGT, clothing/PPE and team fitness.
- Education: Training employees in signs and symptoms of heat stress, minimizing risks, lifestyle factors, training guidelines.
Manager Training
Managers must be trained to monitor the conditions in the workplace and respond to excessive heat. They must plan their workday to ensure their employees have effective rest periods, shade and hydration. There must be a formal heat acclimation plan. They must follow the local authority recommendations and requirements at a minimum, and ideally, have a corporate heat plan from which to support their direction and decisions.
Heat is here to stay. We need to embrace it, and ensure we are effectively protecting our people so they can work safely.