Reduce the Risks of Heat Stress in 7 Easy Steps

What a Bank Holiday weekend! Wall to wall sunshine throughout the UK saw temperature reach unseasonable highs, which was an unexpected treat for those of us enjoying a few days off work. But for those people working in such conditions, the risk of heat stress was dramatically increased.

Heat stress occurs when the body’s means of controlling its internal temperature starts to fail. As well as air temperature, factors that can lead to heat stress include work rate, humidity and clothing worn while working.

You must be aware of how to work safely in heat and how to reduce the risk of it occurring. Follow our 7 easy steps, and reduce the risks of falling foul to the heat this summer.

1.      Control the temperature

Control the temperature using engineering solutions eg:

·        change the processes

·        use fans or air conditioning

·        use physical barriers that reduce exposure to radiant heat

2.      Provide mechanical aids

Provide mechanical aids where possible to reduce the work rate. Regulate the length of exposure to hot environments by:

·        allowing employees to enter only when the temperature is below a set level or at cooler times of the day

·        issuing permits to work that specify how long your employees should work in situations where there is a risk

·        providing periodic rest breaks and rest facilities in cooler conditions

3.      Prevent dehydration

Working in a hot environment causes sweating which helps keep people cool but means losing vital water that must be replaced. Provide cool water in the workplace and encourage workers to drink it frequently in small amounts.

4.      Provide personal protective equipment

Specialised personal protective clothing is available which incorporates, for example, personal cooling systems or breathable fabrics.

5.      Training

Provide training for your workers, especially new and young employees telling them about the risks of heat stress associated with their work, what symptoms to look out for, safe working practices and emergency procedures.

6.      Acclimatisation

Allow workers to acclimatise to their environment and identify which workers are acclimatised/assessed as fit to work in hot conditions.

7.      Identify who is at risk

Identify employees who are more susceptible to heat stress either because of an illness/condition or medication that may encourage the early onset of heat stress, eg those with heart conditions.

8.      Monitor health

Monitor the health of workers at risk. Where it is considered that a residual risk remains after implementing as many control measures as practicable, you may need to monitor the health of workers exposed to the risk.

For more information on Heat Stress or assistance with carrying out your Heat Stress Risk Assessment call Prosafe (UK) Ltd on 01724 712342 or visit www.prosafeuk.co.uk