Effects of heat stress and how to manage them
The human body is an amazing machine capable of accomplishing great things. However, it should always be the perfect balance. For example, changes in temperature mean the body has to adapt in order to survive. Sometimes this happens smoothly. A high room temperature will cause your body to sweat and cool you down, but extra factors that affect your body, such as essential protective gear that prevents sweating, can cause your body to overheat and collapse.
Heat stress can damage employees and businesses
As a business manager/supervisor, you rely on your employees to get the job done. Taking care of their health, safety and well-being ensures that their performance improves and your business grows steadily. If employees work outdoors, near industrial ovens or dryers, or are involved in processes that melt or work with molten metals, they may be at risk of heat stress. The situation is not too difficult to control or avoid, but it can seriously harm people and businesses if not handled properly.
Stay cool at work and protect yourself from heat stress.Check out our line of cooling clothing
Signs and symptoms of heat stress
Heat stress usually begins as profuse sweating and rashes, but if left unchecked, it can lead to heat cramps, exhaustion, and in extreme cases, heat stroke. and can cause confusion, muscle spasms, and death. For your reference, here are some signs that you should not ignore in a workplace at high risk of heat stress:
- heavy sweating
- headache
- fatigue and weakness
- dizziness or fainting
- slurred or blurred vision
- nausea and vomiting
- painful muscle spasms
Educate workers about heat stress
Educate your employees to understand the importance of hydration and cooling. Make sure they have designated protected areas where they can rest, cool down, and rehydrate. If extreme heat is unavoidable, it may be necessary to equip employees with special liquid or air cooled clothing.
When suggesting hydration to an employee, it means using water or electrolyte-replenishing drinks. Do not offer caffeinated beverages, alcoholic beverages or sweeteners as they cause dehydration.
Providing employees with information and resources to keep them physically safe and hydrated ensures employee satisfaction and increases productivity, all of which help you achieve your business goals.
For more information on thermal management, please visit: http://heatmanager.com.au. heat manager is an expert system specifically designed to manage heat stress hazards on Australian workplaces.
Cooling clothing and gear
At Elliotts, we aim to take care of you while you work and get you home safely by providing a wide range of quality safety equipment and personal protective equipment. We carry a large selection of cooling clothing and gear to protect you from heat stress when working in hot environments, such as foundries or outdoors in the sun. Check them out here!
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Need expert advice on choosing safety products and safety equipment for your workplace? Feel free to contact Elliotts Australia. We are happy to help!call me 07 3265 2944 Or send us a message Contact page.
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