Prevention of heat stress in workers is important.  Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress.  Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries.  Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes.  Heat can also increase the risk of secondary injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness. 

Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers, and others.  Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat.

Our occupational health consultants can complete real time thermal monitoring of your work environment with a Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer (WBGT).  Readings can be used to make decisions around controls and appropriate work-rest intervals.  Our occupational health nurses can conduct daily pre-work health assessments and regular health monitoring during the course of your work in extreme temperature to ensure the continuing safety and suitability of your workers to perform that higher risks work.