Page 34 - OHS, Feb/Mar 2024

SUMMER HAZARDS 3 Effective Strategies To Avoid Heat Stress Proper hydration products and PPE keep workers cool, relaxed and heat stress-free. BY BEN JULIAN With rising temperatures comes an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. These conditions arise when the body struggles to maintain its internal tem- perature due to excessive heat exposure, leading to potentially severe consequences such as confusion, seizures, unconscious- ness, organ damage or even death. There- fore, recognizing symptoms and imple- menting preventative measures is crucial, especially in high-risk work environments. In this story, we explore three effec- tive strategies you can take to keep work- ers cool, comfortable and heat stress free while working in high heat conditions. 1. Choose A Superior Hydration Solution Managing hydration and heat stress goes beyond merely consuming electrolytes. Look for advanced formulas that contain an optimal mix of electrolytes, branch- chain amino acids, B and C vitamins and low-GI carbohydrates for sustained en- ergy release without the sugar spike. You may ask, what are these ingredients, and why do they matter for employees subject- ed to the threat of extreme heat? Amino Acids. Branch-chain amino acids (BCAAs) play a crucial role in pro- tein synthesis, muscle building and recov- ery. BCAAs constitute over one-third of essential amino acids. Research indicates that adding amino acids to carbohydrate- electrolyte drinks boosts fluid retention by 15% compared to carbohydrate-electro- lyte-only beverages and 40% more than water alone. It is vital to maintain sufficient BCAA levels during extended shifts or demand- ing work to prevent excessive serotonin accumulation in the brain, which can cause drowsiness, impaired judgment and increased risk of lost time incidents (LTIs). Electrolytes. Electrolytes are vital minerals that play a crucial role in regulat- ing water movement within the body and maintaining the acid-base balance neces- sary for cellular activities. Key electrolytes include potassium, calcium, sodium, chlo- ride and magnesium. These electrolytes are essential for transmitting electrical signals from the brain to nerves, activating muscles for me- chanical functions and supporting most bodily processes, particularly neuromus- cular activities. To prevent heat illness, the body must replace lost fluids and elec- trolytes to rehydrate and restore efficient functioning. Vitamins. Vitamins play a vital role in maintaining optimal health. B vitamins support appetite, good vision, healthy skin, a well-functioning nervous system and red blood cell formation. They also function as coenzymes, assisting the body in obtaining energy from food and drinks. 2. Understand PPE Specific Cooling Technologies PPE is an excellent way to provide work- ers with a preventative solution to heat stress while working in hot indoor or out- door conditions. As a safety professional, choosing the right heat stress preventative PPE solution can be difficult without fully understanding which PPE cooling tech- nology does what. Phase Change Cooling Technology uses phase change cooling packs that are filled with water, frozen and packed in- side of a moisture wicking vest to be worn against a base layer garment. The frozen packs provide a cooling sensation to the worker with the ultimate goal of regulat- ing a worker’s body temperature on the job. It’s important that these phase change wearables are worn underneath any type of hi-visibility clothing to keep workers visible on the job. Evaporative Cooling Technology comes in the form of neck wraps, ban- danas, towels, arm sleeves and more. These products feature specialty cooling fibers that should be drenched in cool or cold water, snapped and applied directly against the skin to allow the water to slowly evaporate from the wearable. The gradual evaporation of water provides workers with a cooling sensation. These products work great as long as water is ac- cessible and workers are ok with getting a little wet. Absorptive Technology come in the form of hard hat liners, sweat bands, bala- clavas and more. These products absorb sweat in critical areas like near the eyes where sweat can affect vision, comfort and productivity. These products are great for 32 Occupational Health & Safety | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 www.ohsonline.com Photo courtesy of PIP