Parts of California are warm and sunny, and many people find themselves working in high temperatures. Unfortunately, working in these environments sometimes leads to heat stress. Here’s more information about this condition and what you can do to prevent it.
What is heat stress?
Heat stress falls under a series of conditions that occur when you become overheated. If you’re dealing with heat stress, you’ll typically experience cramps, exhaustion, rashes, dizziness, and sweating. While heat stress can affect anyone, those who are most susceptible to this condition are children, senior citizens, and people who suffer from heart disease.
It’s also worth noting that heat stress can also happen to young adults in perfect physical condition. If anyone engages in physically strenuous activities for long periods, they increase their risk of dealing with the effects of heat stress. Heat stress is also a major factor in workplace injuries when people work in warm temperatures.
How supervisors can prevent heat stress
If you’re in charge of workers, there are tips you can follow to keep them safe from heat stress. First, make sure to avoid having workers at high risk of heat stress by keeping them in cooler areas. It’s also important to set up schedules that give people working in excessive heat time to rest, cool down, and re-hydrate.
How to prevent heat stress while working
You’ll be glad to know that there are many ways to prevent heat stress. One of the best ways to prevent this serious condition is by keeping your surroundings cool by keeping fans near you. It’s also a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothing that’s light in color. Tight or dark clothes can trap heat, increasing your risk of heat stress. If you experienced any heat stress-related conditions on the job, you might have a valid workers’ comp claim.