As the world continues to warm, we see more extreme weather events. As a result, heat waves are becoming more common and intense and can have serious consequences. Heat injuries, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion, can occur when the body cannot regulate its temperature.
The nine years from 2013 to 2021 were all among the ten hottest years since we began keeping records in 1880. Moreover, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicate that 2022 will, in all likelihood, also be among the top 10 hottest years.
Heat injuries are a significant problem in the workplace, and they are only getting worse as the planet continues to warm. Environmental heat is responsible for 170,000 work-related injuries every year, and it may be responsible for many more that go undocumented. If Heat injuries were accurately documented, they would rank as high as third among causes of occupational injuries and illnesses.
Heat exposure is a leading cause of occupational fatalities, responsible for 600-to-2,000 worker deaths annually.
Heat conditions include Heat Rash, Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke. While Heat Rash is the least serious of these conditions, it can still be extremely painful and cause blistering and swelling. Heat Cramps are muscle cramps that can occur when the body is dehydrated from sweating. Heat Exhaustion is a more severe condition that can lead to nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. If left untreated, Heat Exhaustion can progress to Heat Stroke, a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, nausea, and loss of consciousness. Workers exposed to extreme heat are at risk for all these conditions, and their health should be a top priority.
One group of people that are vulnerable to heat is farm workers. The vast majority of farm workers are immigrants, many of them undocumented. This makes them even more vulnerable, as they may be afraid to speak out about unsafe working conditions or seek medical treatment for fear of being deported.
Heat injuries also disproportionately strike workers who are poor, Black, or Brown. In the United States, these workers are more likely to work outdoors in hot weather and have less access to transportation, water, and Shade. They also often lack the training and resources to protect themselves from the dangers of heat exposure.
Heat exposure is a preventable hazard, and employers can take steps to protect workers from the dangers of high temperatures. By providing ample Shade and water breaks, establishing a Heat Illness Prevention Plan, and monitoring weather conditions, employers can help keep workers safe from the dangers of heat exposure.
If you must be outdoors during a heat wave, be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks in cooler areas. If you start to feel ill, seek medical help immediately.
CREDIT
Juley Fulcher, Boiling Point, Public Citizen, June 2022.