In the summer months, heat stress is a significant concern for manufacturers. “Millions of U.S. workers are exposed to heat in the workplace, and although heat-related illness is preventable, each year thousands of workers are getting sick from their exposure to heat, and… some cases are fatal,” said Stephen Boyd, OSHA’s Deputy Regional Administrator.
Whether you work outdoors or indoors, the risks of heat exposure are significant. While 80% of heat-related fatalities occurred in outdoor work environments, 61% of non-fatal heat-related illness cases occurred in an indoor work environment.
What Is Heat Stress?
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) defines heat stress as a condition “where an individual has elevated core body temperature because of prolonged exposure to hot conditions,” including physical and mental factors:
- Physical factors include excessive sweating, dehydration, muscle cramps, and heat fatigue.
- Mental factors include anxiety, agitation, confusion, irritability, sleepiness, and impaired judgment.
Manufacturing facilities have unique characteristics that make them more prone to heat stress than other industries. For example, manufacturers typically use equipment with high power density that operates at higher temperatures and generates more heat per unit of energy. Manufacturing operations may be located in areas with poor air movement and limited access to fresh air, which can increase the likelihood of heat stress.
How Heat Stress in Your Manufacturing Facility Impacts Employees – and You
The negative effects of heat stress affect everyone, and there are several reasons manufacturers should look into the impact of heat stress on their employees.
Impact of Heat Stress on Employee Performance
Heat stress can reduce worker performance. Employees who feel too warm while working will slow down and become less productive, which means fewer products produced and lower revenue for your manufacturing facility. A study confirmed these impacts, showing that “the majority (93%) of those stressed by heat at their workplace also experienced productivity loss due to heat.”
Impact of Heat Stress on Quality Assurance
Additionally, heat stress can cause decreased quality output. Workers who feel too warm will be slower and less attentive to details; they won’t focus enough to perform their jobs properly. Poor quality products mean additional expenses in correcting problems and rework.
Heat Stress and Employee Injury
Heat stress also increases the chances of accidents and injuries. With heat exhaustion and stress, workers will be distracted and less alert. They might forget about safety precautions or take shortcuts when doing physical labor in a hot environment, putting themselves and others at greater risk of getting hurt–or even killed–on the job.
Heat Stress and Workers Compensation Claims
Increased worker compensation claims and increased health care costs are often the result. With heat-related illness, workers will need medical treatment and possibly compensation under workers’ comp policies, resulting in higher insurance premiums and worker compensation bills.
So what can you do?
Reducing the Risk of Heat Stress in Your Facility
Considering the number of people who experience heat stress each year, it’s easy to see why manufacturing companies should take steps to reduce the risk of heat stress on the factory floor.
The good news is there are many things you can do to help prevent heat-related issues in your facility, especially during hot weather months.
Tips for Heat Stress Reduction in Manufacturing Facilities
The good news is there are many things you can do to help prevent heat-related issues in your facility, especially during hot weather months. Here are some tips to help you keep your workforce healthy and safe:
- Plan: Before the start of the hot season, conduct training sessions for all supervisors, managers, and workers about heat stress issues. Ensure everyone knows what to look out for and what to do if they experience symptoms of heat stress.
- Post basic heat safety reminders: Provide educational materials such as posters, flyers, and brochures regarding heat stress.
- Ensure proper water intake: Dehydration increases the human body’s demand for fluid, making it harder to stay alert and concentrate on tasks. Provide water stations near workers so they can easily drink enough water throughout the day. Offer wet towels to help keep workers cool.
- Adequate rest breaks: Workers should be allowed ample time to cool down, especially during strenuous activity. Cooling centers where employees can take breaks during hot days are necessary in any company’s heat safety plan.
- Monitor the weather forecast: Know the expected hot temperatures before the day starts. Take action immediately if the forecast calls for high temperatures or a heatwave.
- Use shade structures: Shade structures can block direct sunlight and reduce the temperature inside a workspace. They can be strategically placed around the manufacturing facility to maximize their effectiveness.
- Maintain a healthy indoor climate: A healthy indoor climate includes a comfortable air temperature, humidity level, and non-stagnant air. You can use ceiling fans to provide additional airflow and heat dissipation, making adjustments when necessary.
- Conduct regular inspections to identify “heat spots”: Inspect the manufacturing floor regularly to identify potential problems, checking for leaks and cracks in walls, windows, doors, and ceilings where hot air may be seeping in.
- Be prepared for emergencies: Heat-related illnesses can happen quickly. It’s essential to have emergency response plans in place. That includes making sure your workers know what to do in case of an incident and have a plan for calling for medical help if necessary.
Heat stress can cause serious problems for manufacturing facilities. It is crucial to ensure the safety of all workers from heat stress-related illnesses. Taking proactive steps and implementing a plan helps ensure that workers are protected and that your manufacturing facility is a safe working environment.
To learn more about Radwell industrial, electrical and MRO parts and expert services that can support your operation, visit Radwell.com
