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Individual Susceptibility
WBGT assesses environmental heat stress but does not account for all factors affffecting individual susceptibility to heat-related illness- es. Personal risk factors such as age, medical conditions and accli- matization levels impact response to heat and are not measured by WBGT. The ACGIH recommends incorporating individual health evaluations into the heat stress management plan, such as assess- ing workers for personal risk factors and adjusting exposure limits.
Multifaceted Approach
Given the limitations of WBGT, the ACGIH recommends com- bining WBGT with measures such as physiological monitoring, personal risk assessments and adaptive management practices. Conducting regular health screenings and monitoring workers’ physiological responses to heat can provide a better understand- ing of heat stress risks. Additionally, technological solutions such as wearable sensors provide real-time data on workers’ conditions.
Adherence to Guidelines
Adhering to ACGIH guidelines for WBGT usage enables orga- nizations to protect workers, enhance productivity and maintain safety by following WBGT recommendations and implementing comprehensive heat stress management programs with training, emergency preparedness and continuous improvement practices.
Conclusion
ThThe challenges and limitations of WBGT highlight the importance of a holistic approach to heat stress management. Organizations can create a safer and more productive work environment by combining WBGT readings with individual health assessments, adaptive practices and advanced technologies. Following ACGIH standards and guidelines helps ensure regulatory compliance and demonstrates a commitment to worker safety and well-being.
Zack Braun, CEO and co-founder of SlateSafety, whose award-win- ning products were among Time’s 100 Best Inventions of 2021, can be reached at zack@slatesafety.com. CDR Donald D. Elswick (USN - ret), CIH, CSP, CHMM, CIT, has more than 30 years of EHS experience including advanced leadership roles with the ACGIH, AIHA and ASSP. His email address is donaldelswick@elsmart.us.
REFERENCES
• Malchaire, J. (2000). Criteria for estimating acceptable exposure times in hot working environments: a review. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 73: 215-220. 10.1007/s004200050420
• Venugopal, Vidhya. (2015). Occupational Heat Stress Profiles in Selected Workplaces in India. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13 (1), 1-13. 10.3390/ijerph13010089
    
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