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How to Keep Cool: In the Workplace
Everyone wishes for summer until the humidity and heat start to rise, and they can’t wish it away fast enough. In a single summer, it is said that there will be more than 119,000 recorded ER visit’s on average across US regions, with more than 24,000 of them being workers. In order for people to know how to prevent something, it is important to know how to identify what may be happening.
More than 2.4 billion workers are exposed to excessive heat globally, and more than one third of all persons who frequently work in hot conditions experience physiological heat strain.
Workplace heat stress is when a worker's body accumulates heat due to the combined effects of metabolic heat, environmental factors, and clothing worn. This can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Happens when sweat cannot evaporate efficiently, especially in humid air, and when the body can no longer produce enough sweat to cool down.
* Can be prevented by staying hydrated (drinking water every 20 minutes), resting frequently in cool or shaded areas, and slowly acclimating to high temperatures.
Heat exhaustion is caused by water and salt loss through heavy sweating, but your body temperature stays below 104°F.
* Can usually be treated at home and resolves within 30 minutes of cooling.
Heat stroke is the most severe form of all the heat-related illness. Heat stroke happens when the body's temperature-regulating system is completely overwhelmed, causing core body temperature to soar above 104°F (40°C).
* Requires immediate 911 emergency medical intervention.
If a person is experiencing heat exhaustion, give them something to replenish the nutrients lost through sweating, so giving them a sports drink, removing any excess clothing to cool off faster, and being in an air conditioned/shaded area. With heat stroke, the obvious goal is to cool the person and bring down the temperature. You can do this by placing ice packs on the neck and under the armpits while misting with water. Be hesitant to give them fluids, especially if they are unconscious or confused.
Worker productivity decreases by 2–3% for every degree increase beyond 68°F. To sustain an eight-hour work shift, core body temperature should not exceed 100.4°F, and sustaining higher core body temperatures raises the risk of heat-related injuries.
Five star is able to help you and your workplace to prevent these.
- We offer a hydration program where employers pay a flat rate of Gatorade, Powerade, and bottled water by the case, pallet, or truckload, which allows employees to grab and go as they need, making hydration readily available, preventing dehydration.
- Bevi provides customizable still, sparkling, and flavored water on demand (pure filter water included). Bevi also offers a wide variety of flavors that you can add to every glass of water, presented in a branded countertop or floor model that is sure to draw attention.
- It is recommended to take frequent breaks in a designated cool, air-conditioned, or shady area. Increase the frequency and length of rest breaks as temperatures and humidity rise.
A properly designed breakroom acts as a critical recovery space. It prevents physical and mental fatigue, lowers core temperatures in extreme environments, and helps restore focus.
Five Star offers free consultations and can help make your breakroom equipped and customized for your team.
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