Inspired by the heatwave that affected us over the past 24 hours, we had a discussion with the company’s safety officer and asked them to give us 10 guidelines for staying safe and healthy in the workplace during the summer.
He gave us 10+1!
Let’s check them out together:
- Monitoring of the thermal working environment parameters (calculation of microclimate indices) and occupational risk assessment for working in high temperatures and
- Information and training of employees:
a) on recognizing the risk from exposure to high temperatures and knowing the protection measures (technical and organizational measures and use of PPE).
b) on the symptoms and pathological conditions associated with exposure to high-temperature conditions.
- Provision of cool water (10–15 °C) to employees close to their work area, with a consumption of at least half a liter per hour.
- Recommendation to employees to avoid alcohol and caffeine and to wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing.
- Frequent rest periods with breaks and consumption of adequate water in shaded areas or air-conditioned spaces.
- When technical measures are ineffective (e.g., shading, insulation, or air conditioning) and safe thermal environment conditions cannot be ensured, the suspension of work is mandatory.
- Avoidance of exposure for employees who have not yet acclimatized.
- Execution of heavy labor during the cooler hours of the day.
- Gradual adaptation of employees to their tasks (workload and pace) when exposed to high temperatures (employee acclimatization).
- High-risk groups (those with heart conditions or on severe medication) require special attention and are reassigned or removed if necessary, at the discretion of the occupational physician.
- Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as cooling protective clothing (heat-reflective apparel, liquid cooling systems that remove heat from the skin) to exposed workers.
Source: ELINYAE – THERMAL STRESS DUE TO EXPOSURE TO HIGH TEMPERATURES