Heat Stress Prevention
Heat Stress Prevention
Applied Consultants is working overtime to provide a safe and productive environment to our employees. For the most part, we have effective safety programs in place that have proven to be beneficial to the employee and the company. With your help we have succeeded in taking a stand to reduce overall lost time accidents and improve worker safety conditions. But, sometimes even the most effective safety program will overlook critical areas like how to handle seasonal issues such as heat stress.
When it comes to heat stress or employee fatigue, two factors are commonly seen throughout the pipelining industry, especially this time of year. Typically, employees in routine hot environments find themselves subject to heat stress problems more often than those with less severe duties. In environments where an employee is continually subjected to extreme temperatures, that individual is more likely to experience a reduction in work performance or possibly encounter bodily reactions related to heat stress. Heat Stress takes a toll on you. Whether it is poor work performance, an injury or fatality, the fact is, if heat stress isn’t recognized and managed properly, it will cost both the employer and employee significantly, through loss of staff and or loss of revenue.
Prevention Habit
The best recommendation for handling heat stress is to combat the problem through proper hydration practices coupled with a well-balanced diet and many other common-sense methods.
Body Hydration
One of the most important steps is proper hydration. In order to combat the effects of heat the body perspires, releasing essential moisture to cool the skin. Sweat acts as a built-in cooling system for the body. Once perspiration begins, the effects of dehydration have already started. A dehydrated body pulls water and minerals from many locations inside the body to compensate for a lack of vital elements elsewhere. It is essential to keep the intake of fluids equal to the amount being released through perspiration or urination throughout the day. An important step to remember is to begin hydrating the body before dehydration starts. This means encouraging employees to start each day by consuming a regiment of fluids designed with the sole purpose of keeping the body’s hydration and electrolyte balance stabilized.
A common misconception is that water is the complete solution for hydration. However, when a person perspires, not only is water depleted from the cellular composition, essential mineral salts and electrolytes are depleted as well, which are necessary in keeping the body safely balanced throughout a rigorous workday. Electrolyte replacement programs such as Sqwinchers are specifically formulated to promote continuous consumption and prevent muscle cramps by providing essential carbohydrates and minerals for quick body stabilization. These type beverages are absorbed significantly faster than water alone, allowing the body to replenish electrolytes and minerals needed for proper rehydration.
Diet
Another influential factor in coping with heat stress is a proper diet. The metabolic rate of an individual can add 10 to 100 times more heat to the body than radiation and convection combined. Employees who are exposed to heat should avoid eating heavy or fatty meals during working hours. A person can lose as much as six quarts of fluid daily through perspiration or urination. Your health is important to us and we are encouraging you to drink a balanced rotation of water and electrolyte replacement drinks throughout the day. Workers who drink more fluids during work are less likely to eat heavy meals due to a smaller appetite. However, liquids should not take place of proper eating habits. A well-balanced diet is key to the body’s ability to combat other illnesses as well as heat stress. An effective electrolyte replacement drink is the right solution. Electrolyte beverages such as Sqwincher are designed with specific functions for workers that are losing fluids throughout the day and causing a drastic reduction in the body fluids and electrolyte imbalance. This practice will help you maintain alertness and reduce accidents your productivity is increased through a balanced energy source from an effective electrolyte replacement solution
Other IMPORTANT Worker Safety Practices:
When possible, wear loose lightweight clothing
Wear hats and other clothing that will protect you from damaging UV exposure
Apply sunscreen to protect against skin burns
Use personal protective clothing and cooling devices designed to protect against heat and exposure
Take frequent breaks in cool, shaded areas
Get to know your co-workers and their habits. Be certain to keep them informed of the dangers associated with heat stress in your workplace. Becoming aware of the danger signs and a well-managed safety program are key to safely maintaining heat stress.
Thanks for all your help!
Applied Safety
Near Misses Reported in June
I observed a lift about to be made with 2 pieces of equipment. When I asked the crew for their critical lift plan they did not have one. Upon further investigation it was discovered that the operator of one piece of equipment did not understand the load chart for his equipment and had he made the lift he would have been 1500 pounds over capacity. The operator of the second piece of equipment did not possess the required certifications for the equipment.
The lift was canceled and executed the following day when equipment and operators were correct and properly certified.
We recently had a parked UTV that somehow became engaged and proceeded towards personnel. The contractor took this vehicle out of service and investigated how it became engaged.
A stand down was held to address the incident and updated parking procedure were implemented. The updated procedure included wheel chokes, designated parking areas and wheel alignment requirements.
Beehive under the trailer. Operator mentioned he was allergic. Asked if he had a pen in case he got stung and he said no.
A bee keeper came out the next day to remove them. Operator was asked to stay away from the premises until then. No more bees at the office and he's now carrying around a pen for field work.
I had X Ray set up shooting fabrication in their designated area, went to check on them and the helper was not acting himself, I asked him if he was ok he said he didn't feel well. He was getting too hot and feeling sick. It was discovered he had been off work for several days and his extracurricular activities were affecting his work. His HSE was contacted and came to pick him up and take care of him.
We had a tailgate meeting about energy drinks and what you do on your time off and how it affects your work and health.
Contractor stepped on a Rattlesnake coming out of a building. It was coiled up on the Shaded Sidewalk outside of the door.
Be aware, Look down and around as you walk. Be careful when picking up materials - pipe - pallets. He was not bit.
We are pleased to announce that we have partnered up with Boot Barn to offer all Applied Consultants inspectors a 15% discount on all purchases “work related” from the Boot Barn, Nation Wide. Be sure to tell them you work for Applied Consultants and use the key word: “Safety First” to receive the discount.
June Winners
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Bronze |
Dodie Atwood Jason Horton Daniel Breaux Jay Don Howe Jerry Whitehead Stoney Robinson |
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Stay Alert with Weather Conditions: https://www.weather.gov/
