Avoiding Heat-Related Illnesses in Your Establishment
By: Samantha MacDonald NHLRA Director of Workers' Compensation Trust and Membership Manager When high temperatures are combined with the fast-paced environment of the hospitality industry, the dangers of heat stress, exhaustion, and heatstroke are increased. The harder the body works, the more heat it has to lose. The body reacts to stress its cooling system and must acclimate to a hot environment to regulate its cooling function. Stay diligent for the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Some common symptoms include cramping in the extremities and/or stomach, fatigue, rapid breathing, nausea, and heat rash. If an employee starts to exhibit symptoms such as fainting, heavy sweating, extremely high body temps, weakness, clumsiness, confusion, and /or blurred vision- it should be treated as a medical emergency.
Best Ways to Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses in the Workplace: Remind staff to continuously be hydrating! Alcoholic beverages and caffeine dehydrate our bodies, so remind your team to hydrate at bedtime and before reporting for work to ensure restored hydration before being exposed to high heat conditions. It is best in high-temperature environments to exhaust hot air and steam production, and/or increase air movement by using fans (or air conditioning, if practical) to enable an employee’s physical heat to be dispersed. Train management staff and your employees to recognize the symptoms of heat stress. Lightweight and light-colored clothing are essential when working in high-temperature environments and in extreme cases, protective apparel. Periodically check-in or monitor employee activities in high-temperature work environments to ensure their safety. Provide the opportunity for breaks or task rotation. Allow the use of cold towels to wrap on the neck and other cooling attire. If staff are in-and-out of the walk-in or AC, be sure they are being cautious as the change in temperature can cause dizziness or discomfort. This is a great topic to include in your joint loss management committee/safety meetings during the hot season. Being aware and following best practices can protect your employees and save your business from a future workers’ compensation claim. www.nhlra.com | 20
