How to Avoid Heat Stress at Work During Hot Weather
21 November 2022
You might have heard about the recent devastating incident that happened in Europe this year in which at least 15,000 people died due to the hot weather in 2022, with Spain and Germany being two of the most hit.
In the Philippines, it's not unusual for Filipinos to experience hot and humid weather since the country is in a particularly vulnerable position since it is near the equator, where it receives direct sunlight. It's easier to alleviate heat stress brought on by hot weather if you are inside a suburban community like Lumina Homes or inside a room with an air conditioning unit. But let's face the truth, and we know that you feel it, too—it's getting hotter and hotter every year!
Consequently, the government's health agency often issues public service announcements and advice on how to survive the sweltering heat as well as to prevent heat-related illness and other heat stress symptoms.
Different kinds of heat-related illness
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are various disorders or heat-related illnesses that may emerge from the body's inability to cope with rapid increases in heat gain due to exposure to hotter-than-average temperatures.
Heat cramps
Excessive perspiration is a common cause of dehydration, which leads to unpleasant muscular cramps. Heat cramps may manifest themselves in a variety of ways.
- Discomfort in one's limbs, trunk, or hips due to aching muscles.
- Painful and disabling muscle spasms, most often in the stomach, arms, and legs.
Heat exhaustion
This is a physiological reaction to fluid and salt loss, most often due to perspiration. Some of the signs of heat exhaustion are:
- Clammy skin
- Dizziness and/or confusion
- Excessive sweating
- Flushed complexion
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness or fatigue
Heat Rash
Heat rash is a skin irritation brought on by sweating too much due to extreme heat. The symptoms of heat rash may range from mild discomfort to more severe skin irritation that appear as a red cluster of pimples or blisters often on the neck, upper chest, groin, beneath the breasts, and elbow creases.
Heat stroke
When the body stops perspiring, a condition known as heat stroke may set in. Extreme heat may cause serious health problems, such as:
- Chills
- Confusion
- Conditions characterized by a lack of perspiration and red, dry skin
- High body temperature
- Slurred speech
- Strong, rapid pulse
- High blood pressure
Heat Safety Tips - Workplace
In extreme heat, working outside or in an unairconditioned building might put you at risk for heat-related illnesses if you don't take the proper safety measures. You can prevent heat illness by following these safety tips:
1. Wear light clothing
Depending on the nature of your outdoor employment, you may want to consider dressing in light, airy colors to help keep you cool. In order to keep yourself safe, many outdoor jobs need specific clothing and equipment. Furthermore, light clothes may help prevent heat sickness; however, you should only do so if doing so will not pose any risks on the job.
2. Keep an eye on the weather forecast
The weather and temperature are two things to keep an eye on if you'll be working outdoors or supervising employees who will. The best way to handle the day's heat is to be well-prepared for it, and that starts with knowing the weather.
Moreover, as an added bonus, there is a plethora of useful resources available. For instance, there is a Heat Safety App that can be downloaded to assist you to figure out the heat index of your workplace, the degree of danger to employees, and the best ways to deal with the situation.
3. Keep yourself hydrated
Bring along some water whenever you go outside. One liter of water over the course of an hour, or about a cup every fifteen minutes, is what the Department of Health advises while working in hot conditions.
4. Taking frequent breaks is highly recommended
To avoid heat-related illness due to severe heat exhaustion, you should stop what you're doing and find a cool place to relax for a while. Take regular rests, preferably in the shade or somewhere cool and air-conditioned.
5. Allow yourself some time to adjust
The longer you work in the heat, the more accustomed your body will get to the hot environment or heat exposure. Acclimatization describes this change in the environment.
New recruits should see a 20% exposure rate working in the heat on day one and should only be allowed to rise by another 20% the next day. It's also important for employees to begin adapting to the new weather conditions by spending half as much time outdoors if the temperature suddenly rises or falls dramatically. Then, over the following three days, workers should gradually increase their workload until they are back at their usual work schedule on day four.
6. Put the buddy system to use
If you must work outdoors or at a big workplace, it is imperative that you work in pairs to guarantee the safety of all employees and the prompt delivery of medical attention to those who may be experiencing the effects of heat exhaustion.
Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, disorientation, nausea, vomiting, fainting, and seizures are all possible side effects of heat wave or extreme heat events. Anyone exhibiting symptoms of heat stroke or extreme heat exhaustion should be sent to the hospital promptly. Get them out of the oven and take off any excess layers of cloth or their outer clothings. Apply a cold compress, such one made from ice, to their body until medical assistance comes.
7. Consider what you eat and drink
Think about the food you're about to put into your body. Cut down on the size of your meals and stay off the caffeine and alcohol the night before a big workday. Also, if you are on any medicines, check with your doctor to see whether working in the heat may affect your condition.
Take Rest Breaks from Hot Environments and Get A Refreshing Investment
The world is getting warmer every year, this is a known fact and a future that we must prepare for.
That is why is getting an investment in a house and lot in the Philippines, it's important to include this on the factors to consider when searching for a brand new home. It's better to choose a neighborhood that promotes a cleaner and greener community and supports sustainability for its residents and future homeowners.
If you're looking for this kind of subdivision, Lumina Homes, the affordable house and lot for sale is offering a community that is close to nature and yet close to all the daily conveniences of life.
Our affordable house and lot are located in a neighborhood that promotes a cleaner and greener village through our community garden which helps our residents to achieve a sustainable lifestyle in the future. We also have a dedicated large space for our homeowners healthier and more active lifestyles through our eSpacio which houses a jogging path lined with trees and other greeneries.
Be future-ready and soothe yourself from the hotter weather close to nature and all life's conveniences with Lumina Homes!

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