Heat Heat in Construction Heat can KILL construction workers if dealt with improperly This is especially true in the southern states the summer temperature is extremely high Heat can also bring abnormal feelings to workers and significantly reduce their productivity Heat is dangerous in construction Emergency treatment after heat-related disorders appear is sometimes TOO LATE to save a life Heat affects construction workers most because they are MOSTLY exposed to the environment longer than many other occupations Heat is dangerous Extremely heavy physical workload accompanied with summertime heat can raise the occurrence possibility of heat-related incidents. Heat is sometimes ignored as a safety factor by construction personnel. Construction Trades Affected Trades with high levels of sun exposure are the most common construction trades effected. Roofing Workers Site Workers Concrete Workers Road Workers Landscaping Workers Construction trades affected Other Workers w/ high exposure to heat Source: http://www.coloribus.com/focus/catchy-pain-relief-ads/11461905/ Wood structure worker Steel Structure Worker Signal person and equipment operator Source: http://crooksandliars.com/node/37255/print/ Source: http://jobs.ezinemark.com/most-dangerous-jobs-in-the-world-77361e690ac6.html/ Types of Heat-Related Disorders Dehydration Sunburn Heat Rash Heat Exhaustion Heat Cramps Heat Syncope Heat Stroke Dehydration Symptom : Headache, muscle cramps, sudden exposure of visual snow, decreased blood pressure, dizzy and faint while standing up, unconsciousness or even death. Causes : Rapid lose of water within a short period. Losing over 2% of the normal water volume can cause thirst and discomfort, while losing 5%-6% will result in sleepiness, nausea, paresthesia. 10%-15%, will result muscle spastic, dim vision and delirium, over 15%, it is life threatening and should be avoided Dehydration Prevention tips: Replenish Fluids and Electrolyte Levels Drink Sufficient Amount of Water Regularly (About 1 cup every 15 minutes) If the urine is only lightly colored or colorless, chances are that dehydration is not occurring; if urine is deeply colored or urination occurs only after many hours or not at all, water intake may not be adequate to maintain proper hydration Source: www.wikipedia.com Sunburn Symptom Initial redness followed by varies degree of pain. Other symptoms are edema, itching, peeling skin, fever and syncope Cause Cause by excessive exposure to UV radiation and will increase the risk of skin cancers. Prevention Tip Apply sunscreen both before and during work in the sun Work in the shade whenever possible If already sunburned, stay out of the sun as much as possible Source: www.wikipedia.com Source: Center to Protect Workers’ Rights. “ Heat Stress in Construction ”. December 2005. Heat Rash Symptom Skin may be red, The most common areas are the neck, shoulders, torso, armpits, groin and the backs of the knees and elbows. Skin will feel prickly or itchy and may burn or sting. Redness or swelling is a sign of infection. The affected area may be hot to the touch. It may cause a fever or swollen lymph nodes. Heat Rash Cause Heat rash develops when sweat ducts become blocked and perspiration is trapped under the skin. Symptoms range from superficial blisters to deep, red lumps. Some forms of heat rash can be intensely itchy or prickly feeling. Heat Rash Prevention tips Wear clothes that are lightweight and loose, as well as clothes that are made of a natural fiber, such as cotton, or material that pulls sweat away from the skin, such as polypropylene. Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on skin when getting dressed to keep skin dry. Take cool baths or showers frequently in hot weather. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Heat Cramps Symptom Excessive pain in muscle Involuntary muscle spasms Cause Rapid loss of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium from the heavy sweating process Heat Cramps Prevention tips Rest and cool down Drink clear juice or an electrolyte-containing sports drink Practice gentle, range-of-motion stretching and gentle massage of the affected muscle group Source:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-heat-cramps/FA00021 Heat Exhaustion Symptom Heavy sweating Paleness Muscle cramp Tiredness Weakness Dizziness Headache Nausea or vomiting Fainting Source: CDC.gov. CDC Prevention Guide for Emergencies and Disasters. Heat Exhaustion Cause Exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment. Source: CDC.gov. CDC Prevention Guide for Emergencies and Disasters. Heat Exhaustion Prevention tips Drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages, as directed by a physician Rest Cool shower, bath, or sponge bath An air-conditioned environment Wear lightweight clothing Source: CDC.gov. CDC Prevention Guide for Emergencies and Disasters. Heat Syncope Heat Syncope is another stage in the same process as heat stroke, occurs under similar conditions as heat stroke and is not distinguished from the latter by some authorities. The basic symptom of heat syncope is a body temperature above 40°C (104°F) with fainting, but without mental confusion, which does occur in heat stroke. Source: http://www.wikipedia.com/ Heat Stroke Symptom : Dry, pale skin or hot, red skin Mood changes, irritability, confusion Seizures or fits Collapse (without response) Greater temp than 105.1F(40.6 C) Lack of sweating Permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. Heat Stroke Cause: Substances that inhibit cooling and cause dehydration Age-related Consumption of alcohol, caffeine, stimulant or other medications Heat Stroke Prevention tips Avoid overheating and dehydration Dress with light, loose-fitting clothing High temperatures without proper cooling could be dangerous and even fatal Be careful with not only surrounding temperature but also humidity because higher humidity can reduce the human body’s natural cooling through evaporation Drink sport drinks or salt water frequently Source:http://www.emedicinehealth.com/heat_exhaustion_and_heat_stroke/article_em.htm Source: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/ Source: www.wikipedia.com Heat Stroke Consequences Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia (abnormally elevated body temperature) with accompanying physical and neurological symptoms. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two less-severe forms of hyperthermia, heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated. DEATH WILL OCCUR IF NOT DEALT WITH PROPERLY!!!!! Heat Stroke Emergency Treatment Emergency Treatment of Heat Disorder Move the victim into the shade Call for medical help Remove or loosen boots & clothing Pour water & ice on the victim Fan the victim Elevate the victim’s legs Massage the victim’s arms & legs If victim is conscious, give the victim lightly salted water or an electrolyte beverage Stay until medical help arrives Source: OSHA Quick Card. “Protect rself from Heat Stress”. Fatality Statistics OSHA investigated 50 fatalities between 1990 thru 2007 that were heat related. Heat Stress – 17 cases Heat Exhaustion – 5 cases Heat Stroke – 28 cases Source: OSHA Fatality Statistics, 1990-2007 OSHA OSHA does not have any provisions that specifically address heat stress Source: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/ Question Posed to OSHA Scenario : I am an electrician with thirty years of experience. Currently, I’m employed as an electrician by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, at Orlando International Airport, FL. For the past ten years I have been wearing lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothing while working in the heat and humidity. However, my employer has now instituted the mandatory use of heavy flame resistant uniforms which has to be worn at all times despite the fact that most of the daily work activities involve relamping, and not working in front of an open hot electrical circuit. Question: Why can’t the employees wear the regular loose fitting, lightweight clothing when relamping which is done 90 percent of the time, and wear the flame resistant clothing when we are called to work in front of the hot electrical circuit? Source: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=27578 OSHA response Response : OSHA’s standards require employers to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect employees exposed to electrical hazards encountered during the course of their duties. See, e.g., 29 CFR 1910.132, 29 CFR 1910.137 and 29 CFR 1910.335(a). If the conditions under which the employees are working pose heat stress hazards, the employer needs to evaluate such hazards and determine what appropriate action needs to be taken while still protecting the employees from electrical hazards. The employer could, for example, provide flame resistant clothing in lightweight, breathable fabric. While OSHA does not have a specific standard covering heat stress hazards, the agency has previously cited employers who have allowed their employees to be exposed to serious physical harm from excessively hot work environments. The General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the Act), requires each employer to, “furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.” of heat-related illness. Source: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=27578 OSHA response Response : Some methods of abating heat stress hazards in workplaces include, but are not limited to: Permitting workers to drink water or cold liquids (e.g., sports drinks) at liberty; Establishing provisions for a work/rest regimen so that exposure time to high temperatures and/or the work rate is decreased; Developing a heat stress program which incorporates the following: A training program informing employees about the effects of heat stress, and how to recognize heat-related illness symptoms and prevent heat-induced illnesses; A screening program to identify health conditions aggravated by elevated environmental temperatures; An acclimation program for new employees or employees returning to work from absences of three or more days; Specific procedures to be followed for heat-related emergency situations; and Provisions that first aid be administered immediately to employees displaying symptoms of heat-related illness. of heat-related illness. Source: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=27578 Temperature classification used Core temp (rectal, esophageal, etc.) Hypothermia<35.0 °C (95.0 °F) Normal36.5–37.5 °C (98–100 °F) Fever>37.5–38.3 °C (100–101 °F) Hyperthermia >38.4–39.9 °C (101–104 °F) Hyperpyrexia>40.0–41.5 °C (104–107 °F) How Workers should do? Gradually Acclimate to Work Environment Usually in 4-6 days a man can acclimate to a hot working environment Be Aware of Environmental Heat Proper trained to realize heat hazard (see attached case study) Take Rest Breaks Usually 2-3hours work should accompany with at least 15min rest in shaded place Wear Light Colored Clothing But do not compromise other safety requirement which need proper clothing Drink Plenty of Water Includes sport drinks such as Gatorade Avoid Caffeine or Heavy Meals No fast food or other heavy food Source: Center to Protect Workers’ Rights. “Heat Stress in Construction”. December 2005. Best Practices related to Heat No specific form of equipment is mentioned that is required to be used by construction workers to avoid or mitigate heat-related hazards However, wearing light-colored and light-weighted clothing can reduce the possibility of being affected by heat-related hazards Take frequent, short breaks in a cool shaded place Eat dietary meals before working under an excessive heat environment Drink large amounts of purified or cooled water frequently during exposure to sunlight Clothing and PPE Hard Hat with Wide Brim Cooling Vests & Clothing Hard Hat Cool Pack Loose-fitting Clothing Reflective Clothing Wetted Clothing Conclusion Heat stress illness and injuries can be prevented Workers working under excessive temperature should wear loose clothes and hydrate frequently Construction manager should realize the symptoms and prevention tips of different types of heat-related disorders Call the doctor immediately if on-site emergency does not work Management commitment is a must to heat safety Source: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/ Think Safety Work Safely
