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News


A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Heat Stress in the Workplace

4/18/2024

 
Picture
Image source: National Weather Service
​In steel construction, exposure to high temperatures is common. As we head into the summer months, it’s critical to address the heat stress and the signs of heat related illnesses to ensure the safety and well-being of workers. Recognizing the significance of this issue, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) introduced the ANSI/ASSP A10.50-2024 standard. Released on February 26, 2024, this standard provides tips and guidelines for effectively managing heat stress. By understanding and implementing these guidelines, employers and workers in steel construction can mitigate the risks associated with heat-related illnesses and create safer working environments.
Here's a breakdown of key elements from this new standard.

Heat Stress Management Program: The standard mandates the implementation of a comprehensive Heat Stress Management Program, encompassing various aspects such as acclimatization methods, hydration strategies, emergency action plans, rest breaks, shaded areas for rest, engineering controls, monitoring systems, employee participation, training, and program review.

OSHA Standards: While Federal OSHA currently lacks specific regulations concerning heat illness and exposure, several states, including California, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington, have established their own standards in this regard.

Best Practices for Heat Stress Prevention
  • Schedule Work Accordingly. Plan work activities during cooler times of the day to reduce exposure to high temperatures.
  • Allow time to Acclimate. New workers should follow acclimatization schedules outlined in the ANSI/ASSP A10.50-2024 standard to adapt to heat stress environments gradually.
  • Appropriate Attire. Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Ensure that clothing materials are not hazardous for workers performing hot work tasks.
  • Sun Protection. Apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Sunburns can impede the body's ability to cool down and lead to dehydration.
  • Hydration Management. Maintain constant hydration by drinking 8 oz of water every 15–20 minutes, especially in high-heat conditions. Drinking at shorter intervals is more effective than drinking large amounts infrequently. Consider electrolyte-containing drinks after prolonged exposure to prevent electrolyte imbalance.
  • Avoid caffeine and energy drinks. Energy drinks can raise your caffeine levels enough to affect your heart when added to heat related stress.
  • Increased Breaks. Take longer and more frequent breaks during periods of high heat index. Rest in shaded, cool areas equipped with fans or misting fans.
  • Self-Monitoring. Encourage workers to monitor themselves for symptoms of heat stress and take necessary breaks. Promptly notify supervisors if any symptoms arise.


Recognizing Early Signs of Heat Stress
Symptoms include heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, fast weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache, and fainting.

First Aid Measures
Move the affected worker to a cooler area and initiate active cooling techniques such as removing outer layers of clothing, immersing in cold water or ice baths, applying cold wet towels, and using fans to circulate air. Never leave a worker alone with heat-related illness and continue cooling techniques until emergency medical services arrive.

Resources:
OSHA WBGT Calculator
Heat Illness Prevention- Employer Responsibilities, OSHA
Heat Illness Prevention- Information for Workers, OSHA
National Weather Service Map
Regional Map
 
This Safety Flash was contributed by Jason Farris, Executive Vice President of Safety Compliance for Cooper Steel, in cooperation with SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee. It’s designed to keep members informed about ongoing safety issues and to provide suggestions for reducing risk. Best practices are gathered from a variety of sources. They may be more or less stringent than individual corporate policies and are not intended to be an official recommendation from SEAA. Always get approval and direction from your company officers on any new practice or procedure as these best practices may not work for all situations.  

Everyone benefits when a worker avoids injury. Submit your ideas for Safety Flash to 
[email protected].

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Who We Are
​Established in 1972, the Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) represents structural and reinforcing steel contractors, fabricators, and suppliers that serve this market. Our members include both small contractors (under $3 million revenue annually) and large contractors (over $10 million revenue annually). SEAA is a national organization with members in more than 40 US States and 3 Canadian Provinces.

​353 Jonestown Road, Suite 207, Winston-Salem,  NC 27104

​Phone: (336) 294-8880
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