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April, 2008
Heat Stress Season Starts Up Again
Hazard
In August of 2003, daily temperatures in Europe soared to approximately 40 Celsius for two straight weeks. The scorching temperatures claimed 35,000 lives, with over 14,000 deaths in France alone.
Cities in Europe had the highest death tolls, due to environmental characteristics that are very similar to pits and quarries. Both environments heat up quickly due to heat-absorbing rock or cement combined with few trees or vegetation that act as cooling agents. These heat traps can increase outdoor air temperatures by 10-15 degrees. In the underground, rock temperatures can exceed 30 Celsius with 100% humidity.
However, temperatures do not have to be scorching for heat illness to occur. The combination of warm days and physical exercise places workers at risk. Heat illnesses occur when the bodys internal temperature rises from its normal temperature of 37C. An internal temperature just three degrees higher than normal (40C), can cause internal organs to fail, often resulting in death.
Prevention
Companies should have a heat stress response plan based on humidex-numbers (or similar), to help provide guidance on work:rest ratios. On hot days, a combination of rest and water throughout the work day will help keep internal temperature and hydration to normal levels. Heavy activity should be scheduled during cooler parts of the day. Training is essential to be able to recognize symptoms. Its best to work in pairs, as most people have difficulty identifying symptoms in themselves but can identify them in other people. Watch for:
- Heavy sweating
- Rapid breathing
- Cool, moist skin
- Blurred Vision
- Weak pulse
- Acting strangely
- Feeling tired, weak, clumsy, confused, thirsty
If these symptoms occur, begin treatment immediately. Move the patient to a cool, shaded area, loosen and remove excessive clothing, give water and contact medical aid.
Resources
MASHA has two products addressing the dangers of heat stress: Beat the Heat: A Pocket Guide to Heat Stress and Strain and Beat the Heat Safety Meeting CD are available. See http://www.masha.on.ca/products.aspx for details.
Companies looking for assistance in establishing at Heat Stress program can refer to the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) website: http://www.ohcow.on.ca. A heat stress awareness guide, poster and heat stress wheel can be downloaded from the site.
For more information or resources, please contact your MASHA
field consultant.
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