FEATURE
While there is no specific heat hazard standard, OSHA relies on the general duty clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to cite employers. To protect workers and maintain compliance, employers should take proactive steps on heat priority days, such as providing water, rest, shade, and training for workers.
In addition, employers should assess potential heat illness exposure, implement prevention plans, and train employees. Key steps include acclimatising new or returning workers, providing more frequent breaks, and monitoring for signs of heat illness.
LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) monitoring is a widely used method for gauging heat stress risk, accounting for factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover. While measuring the external environment can highlight the risk of heat stress, it doesn't detect the physiological response of each individual to the conditions. Whilst it’s a step in the right direction, many workplaces have yet to adopt another vital tool for protecting workers from heat-related illness: physiological monitoring.
Physiological monitoring is a method of evaluating an individual's heat strain response to heat stress conditions, and can be carried out continuously, discreetly and in real-time. Evaluation can involve tracking heart rate and core body temperature to gauge the level of heat strain. Data collected from physiological monitoring can guide immediate responses to heat stress, identify high-risk workers, and verify the effectiveness of control measures.
Physiological monitoring can complement environmental measurements, such as WBGT, by assessing the impact of heat stress on workers. Oral, skin, and aural measurements can be taken at worksites, especially when WBGT exceeds occupational exposure limits established by organisations like the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
As climate change leads to more frequent and severe heat waves, physiological monitoring will become crucial for preventing heat-related illnesses. Monitoring physiological responses to heat exposure, such as heart rate, skin and core body temperature, and total body water loss from sweating, enables organisations to gauge the impact of heat stress on their workers. However, when monitoring physiology it's important to consider the right solution that provides reliable results that enable actionable outcomes in all scenarios.
Environmental health and safety (EHS) teams should implement monitoring programs to protect workers in high-heat industries while maintaining confidentiality and privacy. Ensuring workers consistently wear
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monitoring devices throughout their shifts remains a challenge, but enhancing compliance rates can be achieved through proper fit and clear communication about the technology's purpose.
Advanced technological methods and tools for physiological monitoring, such as core body temperature (CBT) and physiological strain index (PSI) measurements, offer a safer and more effective approach to mitigating heat-related illnesses and injuries. By harnessing these cutting-edge solutions, companies can significantly decrease heat-related incidents, ensuring the wellbeing of their workers and promoting a healthier work environment.
Adopting technology-driven physiological monitoring systems will significantly contribute to addressing heat stress challenges and safeguarding the workforce. However, finding the right solution for your needs is challenging.
ADDRESSING WORKPLACE HEAT STRESS
WITH BODYTRAK As global temperatures continue to rise, addressing workplace heat stress is a pressing concern. Ensuring worker safety in high-heat industries requires a collaborative effort from employers, regulators, and employees, focusing on communication and innovative solutions.
Proactive measures, such as implementing mandatory regulations, adopting physiological monitoring programs, and utilising wearable technology like Bodytrak, can help protect worker health and productivity, creating safer work environments. Bodytrak is an innovative, non-invasive in-ear device that offers continuous, discreet real-time monitoring and incident prevention by accurately measuring core body temperature, heart rate, physiological strain index, fatigue levels, noise exposure, and fall detection.
By providing valuable, data-driven insights into workers' physiological responses to extreme conditions, Bodytrak empowers leaders and medical staff to intervene when necessary, preventing injuries or fatalities. The real-time data and insights offered by Bodytrak significantly improve safety and productivity in the workplace.
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