01 June
Published on June 01, 2022.
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° C
Did you know ? 28°C corresponds to the temperature above which heat can constitute a health risk during physical activity.
Each year, heat waves and heat waves disrupt our working conditions, and even more so when our work is carried out mainly outdoors.
While these heat waves usually occur during the summer season, recent years have shown us that they can occur as early as May.
Be careful, too high temperatures can become dangerous for the body if we are poorly prepared.
The risks of heat on our body
Many trades require us to evolve in a recurring or habitual way in environments with high temperatures: kitchens, blast furnaces, foundries, welding workshops... Other trades working outdoors are subject to the vagaries of the weather, in particular heat during heat waves.
From 30°C for sedentary activity and 28°C for work requiring physical activity, heat can constitute a health risk. The heat thus increases the risk of having an accident.
A feeling of fatigue, profuse sweating, nausea or dizziness are common symptoms related to heat and can be precursors to more serious problems. When exposed to heat, the body sweats a lot to keep itself at the right temperature. Dehydration due to severe heat stroke can therefore also occur 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 increases the risk of accidents because it induces a decrease in vigilance and an increase in reaction times. Note that perspiration can also make hands slippery or obstruct vision.
What behavior to adopt in the face of high heat?
First of all, to anticipate heat waves and to be able to prepare for them as best as possible before leaving on a mission, check the weather forecast regularly.
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, shaded areas), materials and 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 , arrangement of working hours, etc.).
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, loose and light clothing,
- Cover your head if you are not wearing a helmet,
- Keep your PPE
- Take regular breaks in a shady or air-conditioned place if possible,
- Cool off by spraying yourself with water.
Even if they are uncomfortable with the heat, wearing the PPE necessary to carry out your task remains mandatory.
How to react in case of heat stroke?
To avoid this phenomenon, we must watch each other and not leave colleagues isolated in the heat.
Heat stroke, which corresponds to an increase 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 to react early.
While waiting for help, it will be a question of refrigerating the victim 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 drink water: to be thirsty is to be already dehydrated!