Ardine Readus
Heat stress is the overall heat burden on the body from the amalgamation of the body heat produced whilst working; environmental sources for instance humidity, air movement, air temperature, radiation from the sun or hot surfaces as well as clothing requirements.
Employees who are depicted to intense heat or work in scorching surroundings may be in danger of heat stress. Occupational illnesses and injuries may result due to exposure to extreme heat. Heat stroke, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat rashes as well as heat syncope are as a result of heat stress. Heat can as well increase the threat of injuries in employees as it could produce moist, palms, fogged-up security glasses along with faintness. Accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam may lead to serious burns. (Armstrong, 2003) Employees at threat of heat stress comprise outdoor employees as well as employees in scorching surroundings for example, farmers, firefighters, bakeries, miners, constructions, boilers, factories, compressed air tunnels; conventional as well as nuclear power plants, foundries and smelting, brick-firing along with ceramics plants operations among others.
Employees at bigger risk of heat stress comprise those who are sixty five years of age or elder, are plump, high blood pressure or have heart sickness, or consume medication that may be influenced by acute heat. Over time groups acclimatize to hot circumstances by sweating more, as well as by changing their activities to try and cool down, for instance removing clothing, fanning themselves, taking cool drinks, , reducing their work rate or sitting in the shade or a cool area. Nevertheless, in numerous work situations such behavioral adjustments may not be possible, for example in asbestos elimination. The majority people feel contented when the air temperature is amid 20°C and 27°C as well as the when relative humidity varies from 35% to 60%. During high temperatures and humidity, groups feel uncomfortable. Such circumstances do not cause impairment as long as the body can change as well as get along with the extra heat.
Extremely hot surroundings can overpower the body’s coping mechanisms resulting to a diversity of serious as well as possibly lethal conditions. Avoidance of heat stress in employees is vital. Employers should offer training to employees so they comprehend what heat stress is, how it influences their health as well as safety, and how it can be mitigated. (David Pierce, 1977) Heat Stroke: The gravest heat-related disorder is heat stroke. It takes place when the body turns out to be unable to manage its temperature: the body’s temperature increases speedily, the sweating mechanism becomes faulty, and the body fails to cool down.
When heat stroke arises, the body temperature can go up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or more in ten to fifteen minutes. Heat stroke can lead to death or unending disability if urgent treatment is not granted. Symptoms: these include: Hot, dry skin, normally blue or red in color, or abundant sweating, figment of the imagination, excruciating headache, chills, high body temperature, slurred speech confusion or dizziness, cerebral confusion as well as delirium, seizures or fainting. When there is a heat stroke victim the person in sight should call public safety and request an ambulance as well as notify the supervisor or the person in charge. The victim should also be taken to a cool shaded area for first aid by use of ways for instance, spraying, soaking their clothes in water, fanning their body sponging, or bathing them by use of water.
