Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Prolonged exposure to life-threatening heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries that can result in permanent damage to an individual. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. The different stages of heat stress are dependent on many factors. Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers, and many others. Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat. Anticipation of heat stress in workers is important to prevent harm to employees and prevent possible injuries or death. Employers should provide training to workers so they understand what heat stress is, how it affects their health and safety, and how it can be prevented.
Heat Injury/Heat Stress .
There a many documented cases of workers fainting from a result of prolonged exposure to heat in the state of Florida. On August 11, 2009 a landscape worker in Port Orange collapsed after working outside for a prolonged period of time. A fellow coworker found the individual collapsed in the company truck as was suspected to be caused by heat stress (OSHA, 2014). Florida is a common state for heat stress and heat injuries due to the humidity as well as the high yearly temperatures. With temperatures reaching close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit on an average summer day workers who are exposed can be at a high chance for injuries. There are many stages of heat stress and not all stages present noticeable symptoms right way. However when the exposure and the effects of heat are not treated and noticed immediately the effects can be detrimental and can be permanent.
