The Importance of Protecting Workers in the Heat

As summer approaches and temperatures start to rise, the risk of heat-related illnesses and injuries for workers increases. 

 

Protecting employees from heat stress is becoming increasingly critical as there are many dangers associated with heat-related injuries. Employers have a duty to ensure the workplace safety and well-being of their workers, especially in extreme weather conditions. 

 

The Prevalence of Heat-Related Injuries in the Workplace

 

Heat-related illnesses are more common than many people realize. 

 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2011 to 2020, 33,890 workers experienced work-related heat injuries and illnesses. This number increases during heatwaves and periods of extreme temperatures. Also, it's important to remember that heat-related injuries in the workplace might be underreported. 

 

Why would this be underreported? Failing to report a heat-related injury might be because workers may not always recognize the early signs of heat illness or may be reluctant to report symptoms due to fear of repercussions or pressure to continue working.

 

Furthermore, certain industries carry a higher risk of heat-related injuries due to the nature of the work. Outdoor workers in agriculture, construction, landscaping, and transportation sectors are particularly vulnerable. Also, certain workers may be at higher risk of heat-related injuries—like older adults, individuals with preexisting medical conditions, and those taking certain medications that affect heat regulation. 

 

Thus, with thousands of workers left vulnerable to the heat in the workplace, employers must prioritize their safety.

Understanding Workplace Heat-Related Illnesses

 

It is essential to understand the various heat-related illnesses that workers may face.

 

A common one in the workplace is heat exhaustion. This is characterized by heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, and dizziness, which can lead to fainting if left untreated. In addition to exhaustion, workers can also experience heat cramps. These are painful muscle cramps caused by dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Also, workers can get heat rashes, resulting in red, itchy skin due to blocked sweat ducts.

 

However, the most severe form of heat-related illness is a heat stroke. This occurs when the body's temperature regulation fails. Symptoms include confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness. A heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

 

Costs Associated with Heat-Related Injuries

 

Heat-related injuries can result in significant costs for employers, including medical expenses, workers' compensation claims, lost productivity, and potential legal liabilities. 

 

For example, last year, many UPS drivers went on strike because they were driving trucks without AC in the summer. This undoubtedly caused delays in deliveries and compromised workplace productivity. 

 

According to the OSHA Safety Pays tool, which allows employers to estimate just how much an accident can cost in terms of impacting profitability, the average direct cost of a heat-related injury in the workplace is $37,658. An estimated indirect cost is $41,423. Therefore, investing in preventive workplace safety measures to protect workers from heat stress can ultimately save companies money in the long run.

How Becklar Aims to Protect Workers in the Heat

 

Becklar continually strives to ensure the lives of workers are protected. As part of its innovative Workforce Safety Solutions, Becklar now offers features to help protect workers from these types of heat-related injuries. 

 

The WorkerSafety Pro app has many features to help workers anywhere. From fall detection to emergency check-ins, workers can feel safe and have peace of mind knowing help is only a click away. In order to make sure workplace safety is truly optimized, Becklar's app now has a feature that sends workers heat risk notifications. The app will monitor outdoor temperatures; if it gets too hot, an alert will be sent mandating that workers take breaks. Additionally, the WorkerSafety Pro app will also determine physical exertion from data from the wearable device to help workers avoid heat-related illnesses and injuries.

 

The WorkerSafety Pro app connects to Becklar's Dashboard, which allows employers to manage and prioritize the safety of their workers easily. The new heat risk notifications can help safety managers prevent heat-related injuries from happening. From the Dashboard, managers can also directly send personalized safety notifications and reminders to workers to take breaks or stop working in the event of high temperatures. 

 

Prevent Heat-Related Workplace Injuries with Becklar

 

Protecting workers from the heat requires a proactive approach and employers' commitment to workplace safety. 

 

Employers can create a safer work environment for their employees by implementing the heat-safety features and measures from Becklar's Workforce Safety Solutions, even in the face of rising temperatures. Remember, the health and well-being of workers should always be a top priority.