Beat the Heat: Occupational Exposure to Heat and Hot Environments

With summer underway, now is the perfect time for organizations to examine their policies and procedures regarding employee heat exposure, especially in light of the recently published document from NIOSH titled, “Occupational Exposure to Heat and Hot Environments”, Publication Number 2016-106.

Heat-related injuries and illnesses in the workplace are more common than you would think. In 2010, for example, there were 4,190 injury or illness cases related to heat that resulted in one or more lost work days, according to the NIOSH report. Between 2013 and 2014 there were 20 cases of heat related illness or death.

Additionally, workers exposed to heat can also experience less severe, but still significant illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. Each person’s body responds differently to heat, and the same person may respond differently to heat in different situations. Some of the many factors that affect how people respond to heat include age, gender, and level of general health.

Read more about the risk factors, pertinent regulations and actions employers should take to manage their risk on the Antea Group blog.

About Antea Group
Antea Group is an international engineering and environmental consulting firm specializing in full-service solutions in the fields of environment, infrastructure, urban planning and water. By combining strategic thinking and multidisciplinary perspectives with technical expertise and pragmatic action, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. With more than 3,000 employees in over 100 offices around the world, we serve clients ranging from global energy companies and manufacturers to national governments and local municipalities. Learn more at http://us.anteagroup.com.