Working in Hot Weather

Have you thought about the hazards of working in hot weather?

There are many hazards associated with working in hot weather such as Sunburn, prickly heat, heat exhaustion and heat stress.

Heat stress occurs when the body’s means of controlling its internal temperatures starts to fail.

Some typical symptoms of heat stress include:

• Inability to concentrate/muscle cramps.
• Heat rash/severe thirst.
• Fainting,moist skin, nausea & fatigue.
• Heat Stroke – hot dry skin, confusion, convulsions and eventual loss of consciousness. (this is a sever disorder and can lead to death)

Employers should ensure safety of drivers and ensure they:

• Carry water and drinks and stop periodically.
• Carry a first aid kit which includes moist wipes to help them cool down if required.

Where there is potential for heat stress, employers must complete a risk assessment which needs to take account of the following:

• Work rate - the harder someone works the greater amount of body heat they generate.
• Working climate – this includes air temperature, humidity and air movement.
• Clothing (including PPE and RPE).
• Workers age, build and medical factors may affect an individual’s tolerance to heat.

Reducing the Risk:

• Control the temperature using fans and or air conditioning.
• Provide training & mechanical aids where possible.
• Limit exposure to cooler times of the day (amend/extend lunch breaks or siestas).
• Make water available at the workstation.
• Review the type of PPE or uniform issued to staff can this be changed for a lighter weight material.
• Identify employees at particular risk.

Heat Stress Risk Assessment:

• Identify hazards.
• Decide who might be harmed and how.
• Evaluate risks and decide whether precautions are adequate.
• Record your findings.
• Review your assessment and revise if necessary.

Recommendations for Employers:

• Make provision for employees to avoid peak sun exposure times of between 11am and 3pm.
• Reserve indoor working for the times when UV radiation is at its highest.
• Where sufficient numbers of trained staff are available rotate staff to limit individual exposure.
• Provide additional shade by using awnings gazebos etc (when carrying out grinding welding etc the type of awning or gazebo should be carefully selected to prevent a fire).
• Encourage employees to use natural shade.
• Encourage workers to keep their shirts on, use sun cream and cover up to prevent sun burn.
• Provide and encourage the use of suitable hats which provide shade to the face, neck, ears and head.