Today is the first, full day of summer, but triple digit temperatures have already gripped Northern California. Summer brings accelerated levels of stress to the crews who have to work outdoors. To battle these strains, workers must take the time needed to allow their bodies to adjust to the increased temperatures.
Most people adapt to the weather or acclimate within 4 to 14 days of normal work levels, according to
Cal/OSHA heat illness prevention data.
The acclimation process: On the first day of work in a hot environment, the body temperature, pulse rate, and general discomfort will be higher. With each succeeding daily exposure, all of these responses will gradually decrease, while the sweat rate will increase. When the body becomes acclimatized to the heat, the worker will find it possible to perform work with less strain and distress.
Employees are encouraged to:
- Continuously drink water throughout the day.
- Pace your activities.
- Take frequent, preventative recovery periods in the shade, among other actions.
- If you have any questions about the proper safety procedures in your work environment, please address your manager immediately.
Some health conditions can put workers at greater risk of heat-related illness. These include diabetes, kidney and heart problems, pregnancy, and being overweight. Additionally, the
risk of dying from heat illness appears to be highest for employees who just begin working in extreme heat, as the body needs to adapt gradually to heat and humidity.
The City of Roseville has mandated training for heat in the workplace, assigned to all employees who work outside. The information is available online through
Rose University (RoseU).