Heat Illness Prevention Planning - PowerPoint Presentation

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Heat Illness Prevention Planning

Georgia On-Site Consultation Program

Georgia Tech Research Institute

2013

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Do you know the facts?Heat stress may result from the buildup of muscle generated heat in the body.

True or False?The time to drink water is when you are thirsty?True or False?What are the three most important things you should know about preventing heat stress?

A. Water B. Shade C. Rest D. All Three are Important

The evaporation of sweat is the most important way our bodies get rid of heat?

True or False?

Over 70% of those who suffer a heat stroke die if not treated promptly.

True or False?

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Why Is This Topic Important?

Heat illness can be a matter of life and death. Every

death is

preventable.

When

heat stroke doesn’t kill immediately, it can shut down major

body organs causing acute heart, liver, kidney and muscle damage, nervous system problems, and blood disorders.Workers suffering from heat exhaustion are at greater risk for accidents, since they are less alert and can be confused.

New workers are at increased risk of injuries. Temporary workers often new to a jobsite several times a year.

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Heat Fatalities Map 2009-2012

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http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/map.html

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August 2012MARK RAINEY, a 60-year-old temporary worker at an Ohio roofing company, was working in the hot summer sun on top of a roof, throwing roofing material down into a dump truck. He started to become lethargic and confused, then lost consciousness, and died of heat stroke. He left behind two daughters, three grandchildren and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

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June 2013Waste Management of NJ

Temp worker fatalityOSHA cited company for excessive heat conditions; lacking rule on fluid consumption

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A Lucky One

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Thank You to Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC for sharing this important video

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OSHA Enforcement: July 2012

The employer failed to keep the workplace free of a hazard to which its employees were exposed:

Workers were exposed to a HI at or above the Danger zone (see Hi chart); or

Workers were working outside for most of the day or during the heat of the day when there was a NOAA Heat advisory.

2. The hazard was recognized: 

NOAA issued heat advisory because of a HI at or above Danger zone (see HI chart) and employer was or should have been aware of the advisory;

Employees made complaints regarding heat;

Employees showed signs or symptoms of heat exposure;Employer indicated that it was aware of the heat hazard (e.g., by providing water but not rest and shade); or

The employer’s industry has issued guidance or information about heat hazards.

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OSHA Enforcement: July 2012

3. The hazard was causing or was likely to cause death or serious physical harm:

Heat exhaustion;

Heat stroke; or

Fatality

4. There was a feasible and useful method to correct the hazard:

Providing workers with immediate access to water, rest, and shade, and allowing them to use that relief;Implementing an acclimatization program for new employees and for those returning from extended time away (e.g., vacation)

Implementing a work/rest schedule; or

Providing a climate – controlled area to cool down.

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OSHA Enforcement: July 2012If all four factors for a general duty clause are

not present, a Hazard Alert Letter (HAL) shall be issued to the employer as soon as possible. The HAL shall recommend specific steps the employer can take to protect workers from the heat hazard.

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Factors That Affect Body’s Ability to Cool DownAge

WeightPhysical FitnessAdjusting to the hot environmentOther Health ConditionsUse of Alcohol/Drugs/CaffeineMedications

Clothing/PPE

Diuretics

Blood-pressure medications

Antihistamines

Anti-cholinergics

(for COPD)Psychiatric conditions

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What is Heat Stress? Build of Heat in the body that can not be removed by natural mechanisms. It is a result of internal heat generated by the body (Metabolic Load) and the external heat load from the work environment.

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Types of Heat Stress DisordersHeat

Rash (Prickly Heat)Heat CrampsHeat ExhaustionHeat StrokeTransient Heat Fatigue

Fainting (heat syncope)

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Behavioral Clues of Heat Stroke

Hand/limb shakingDecreasing productivity through shiftIncreased absenteeism

Awkward postures (to compensate for fatigue)

Person takes frequent short breaks

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First Aid: Heat StrokeCall 911 and notify their supervisor.

Move the sick worker to a cool shaded area. Cool the worker using methods such as: Soaking their clothes with water

Remove or open unnecessary clothing

Spraying, sponging, or showering them with water while

f

anning their body

Apply ice packs to armpits, groin, neck15

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Control & prevention strategies

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Acclimatization: Gradually Increase Exposure to Hot EnvironmentsWorkers new to outdoor jobs are generally most at risk for heat-related illnesses

Cal/OSHA investigated 25 incidents of heat-related illness in 2005. In almost half of the cases, the worker involved was on their first day of work and in 80% of the cases the worker involved had only been on the job for four or fewer days.

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Acclimatization Physiological ResponseSweat Response:

Less salt in sweatLower core temperatureLower heart rateSweating occurs at lower skin temperatures and total production increases

= body is better adapted to working in heat and is less at risk

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General Guideline

> Work intensity = > Rest periodsRest does not mean complete cessationObjective is to reduce energy expenditure

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Employer Provided Training

Workers need to be trained to know what to do when a worker has signs of heat exhaustion:

Call supervisor

Stay with worker until help arrives

Move worker to cooler/shaded area

Fan and mist the worker with water Provide cool drinking water If the worker feels confused, vomits, or faints, this may indicate heat stroke Call 911 immediately!

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The Risk of Heat Stress

Your risk of heat stress depends on many factors.

These include:

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Your physical condition• The weather (temperature, humidity)• How much clothing you have on

• How fast you must move or How much weight you must lift

• If you are near a fan or there is a breeze

• If you are in the sun.

Heat emergencies

Warning signs of Heat Stroke

vary but may include:

an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally)

red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)

rapid, strong pulse

throbbing headache

dizziness, nausea

disorientation, confusion

unconsciousness

If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing

with a LIFE-THREATENING emergency.

Call 911

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Environment Measures: Heat Index

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http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/index.html

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Heat Index Additional Risk Factors

Work in direct sunlight Perform prolonged or strenuous work Wear heavy protective clothing or impermeable suits These must be taken into consideration even when the heat index is lower

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Since heat index values were devised for shady, light wind conditions,

exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15°F.

Also, strong winds, particularly with very hot, dry air, can be extremely hazardous.26

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RESPONSIBILITY

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Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program (FACE)Case Study(s)

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FACE REPORT Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program

FACE REPORT #1FACTS

:

31-year-old male concrete construction laborer dies of heat stroke at end of work day

Temperature was 88 degrees

After reporting he felt ill, his foreman instructed him to lie in the shade beneath a tree

He remained in the shade for 10 minutes, returned to work and was observed staggering, speaking incoherently, and stumbling through freshly poured concrete29

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FACE REPORT

(Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program)

FACTS

:

41-year-old male laborer died from heat stroke at end of work day

Temperature was 90 degrees; dew point humidity 69 degrees (relative humidity 50

%)Employee (a welder), had spent the day cutting 2x4’s to varying lengths to fabricate forms for concrete footersHis internal temperature was 108 degrees F.

FACE REPORT #2

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FACE Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation

ProgramFACTS

30-year-old male landscape mowing assistant dies from heat stroke at end of work day

He was part of a 2-person crew

He had reported feeling light-headed and short-of-breath to his partner in the mid-afternoon

Outdoor temperature was 81 degrees

Victim’s internal temperature was 107.6 degrees at the hospital31FACE REPORT #3