05 July
0
° C
Did you know ? 28°C corresponds to the temperature from which heat can constitute a risk for our body if we do not take special precautions.
As the heat wave at the beginning of June reminded us, rising temperatures can become dangerous for the body if we are ill-prepared. This is the perfect time to review the steps to take to guard against these dangers.
The risks of heat on our body
Many jobs require us to work in environments with high temperatures: kitchens, blast furnaces, foundries, welding workshops, etc. Other people work outdoors and may be exposed to heat, especially in summer during heat waves.
From 30°C for sedentary activity and 28°C for work requiring physical activity, heat can constitute a health risk. Heat can therefore increase the risk of having an accident.
Outdoor work (building, public works, agricultural work, etc.) can expose employees to high heat, particularly in summer.
Fatigue, profuse sweating, nausea or dizziness are common symptoms related to heat and can be signs of more serious disorders. Indeed, when exposed to heat, the body sweats a lot to maintain the right temperature. Dehydration due to severe heat stroke can therefore happen quickly!
In addition, the effects of heat on our health are multiplied when we add aggravating factors such as the difficulty of the task. Heat also increases the risk of accidents because it induces a decrease in vigilance and an increase in reaction times. Finally, perspiration can make hands slippery or obstruct vision.
What conduct to adopt?
The most effective prevention is to avoid or limit exposure to heat. To do this, it is possible to act on the organization of work (increase in the frequency of breaks, limitation of physical work, rotation of tasks, etc.), the layout of premises (air-conditioned rest areas, ventilation), equipment and the equipment.
For outdoor work during heat waves, preventive measures make it possible to remedy the effects of heat (work during the coldest hours, provision of fresh water near workstations, provision of shaded areas …). These measures must be accompanied by actions to inform and train employees.
Finally, on a personal level, here are some effective measures to help you improve your working conditions in the event of a heat wave:
- Drink plenty of water (minimum 2L/day),
- Wear bright clothes,
- Take regular breaks in a shady or air-conditioned place,
- Cool off by spraying yourself with water.
What to do in case of heat stroke?
To avoid the "heat stroke" we must watch each other and not leave colleagues isolated. heatstroke, which corresponds to a rise in body temperature above 40.6°C, is a life-threatening emergency. It is therefore important to know the warning signs (behavioral abnormalities, great weakness or fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, intense thirst, etc.) and react early.
While waiting for help, it will be a question of refrigerating the patient as much as possible: taking off his clothes, ventilating him and spraying him with fresh water. Often fatal, heat stroke must be taken care of and treated quickly so as not to cause any sequelae.
To avoid this, do not wait to be thirsty to drink water, when you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated!