Too Hot to Ignore
by Sal Chavez, MSEd, LAT, ATC
High temperatures can lead to serious heat-related illnesses, though the effects of heat can begin long before someone experiences heat exhaustion or heat stroke. When temperatures increase, the body can experience many negative side effects which can influence how safely a person performs everyday tasks. Even a small change in focus, reaction time, or physical control due to high temperatures can increase the risk of injury.
A Subtle Warning
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are not always the root cause of heat related injuries. As heat rises, so does the risk of all types of workplace injuries. Higher temperatures lead to:
- Fatigue
- Reduced concentration
- Slower reaction times
- Changes in judgement
- Reduced coordination
- Decreased physical performance
Decreased physical performanceThese changes may seem minor, but when workers are performing a physically demanding or repetitive task, they become a priority. With these changes, an industrial athlete is at higher risk for strains, sprains, trips, falls, or equipment-related injury. The risk of getting an injury is higher than having a heat-related illness. Studies have found that the risk of injury increases at temperatures above 70°F and drastically increases above 90°F.
In the Hot Box
People wrongly perceive that heat-related issues only affect outdoor workers. Research shows heat affects injury risk for both outdoor and indoor workers. Indoor work environments can become extremely hot, especially warehouses, manufacturing facilities, areas with limited ventilation, facilities near heat-producing equipment, and work areas where mechanical cooling isn’t adequate.
Physical workload also matters. Moderate heat can feel significantly more intense during strenuous work, especially when PPE or heavy duty clothing limits the body’s ability to release heat. Temperature, humidity, airflow, and the work environment all contribute to heat stress. Remember: INDOORS DOES NOT ALWAYS MEAN COOL!
Reduce the Risk
Now, what could you do to reduce this? Below are tips to defeat the tricky heat for others and yourself:
- Hydrate consistently
- Recognize fatigue
- Take appropriate breaks in a cool area
- Look out for your colleagues
- Observe unusual fatigue or changes in behavior
- Say something if someone appears to be struggling with the heat
- Be PREPARED
- Note when temperatures are rising
- Plan your hydration
- Remember how the heat could affect your task
- Take time to adjust to hotter conditions
Beating the heat means staying alert to the subtle changes heat can cause, recognizing how it can increase injury risk, and being PREPARED to take on the day by working safely.
Sal Chavez, MSEd, LAT, ATC || Sal was born and raised in the south side of Chicago. He enjoys finding and trying a new coffee shop as often as possible, reading books/comics, collecting pokemon, taming his plants, shooting three pointers in his basketball league, and staying physically active. Sal graduated from Northern Illinois University where he received his Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training, and also received his Master’s of Science in Sports Studies from Southern Illinois University.
Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips for the industrial athlete from Work Right!