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 injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness. This article will touch upon symptoms, preventative measures and how to treat the following: • Heat Stroke • Heat Exhaustion • Heat Syncope • Heat Cramps • Heat Rash • Preventative Measures On April 8, 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a National Emphasis Program focused on heat hazards. OSHA will be conducting heat-related inspections on “heat" priority days and whenever heat hazards are observed or reported. OSHA recently responded to an employee heat complaint at an NHADA member location. More information on OSHA’s heat-related activity can be found at https://www.osha.gov/ heat-exposure. How do you determine if your workplace has heat exposure above the OSHA action level? What do NHADA members need to do to comply? Heat exposure relates to more than just temperature. Heat-related hazards are a combination of the heat index and activity level. (The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature OSHA to Propose NewHeat Stress Standard and Implements National Emphasis Program. Some NHADA Members (Will) Need To Comply Heat Stress: What Is It AndHowYou CanKeep Your Employees Safe BRIAN DUPLESSIS LOSS PREVENTION COORDINATOR Continued on page 24 feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.) For NHADA members a good rule of thumb is that a technician’s work would be considered Moderate. So based on the Heat Index chart, abatement efforts should begin when temperatures in the shop reach the low-mid 80s. NHADA Loss Prevention is available to provide assistance with complying with OSHA’s proposed heat standard. If you are not sure if you have an exposure, we have monitors and can do a survey on a hot day to determine if any action levels are reached. Contact Brian Duplessis at bduplessis@nhada.com to get started. The following is an article featuring more information on how to protect employees from heat stress hazards. WBGT/RISK IMPACTS ACTIONS 80-85 F / Low Body stressed after 45 minutes Take at least 15 minutes of breaks each hour if working or exercising in direct sunlight. Stay hydrated. 85-88 F / Moderate Body stressed after 30 minutes. HEAT CRAMPS likely (painful contraction of muscles. weakness) Take at least 30 minutes of breaks each hour if working or exercising in direct sunlight. Drink ½ to 1 quart of water per hour. 88-90 F / High Body stressed after 20 minutes. HEAT EXHAUSTION likely (dizziness. nausea, vomiting, headache, fainting, disorientation, weakness) Take at least 40 minutes of breaks each hour if working or exercising in direct sunlight. Reduce work, exercise intensity Drink up to 1 quart of water per hour > 90 F / Extreme Body stressed after 15 minutes. HEAT STROKE likely (extremely high body temp., convulsions, death) Take at least 45 minutes of breaks each hour if working or exercising in direct sunlight. Suspend all strenuous outdoor activities. Drink at least one quart of water per hour. Adapted from U.S. Army and OSHA guidelines and recommendations N E W H A M P S H I R E 23
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