Page 47 - IOSH JanFeb24_Full LR

Who’s at risk?
Both indoor and outdoor workers can be when temperatures soar, the risks are also What steps
affected by prolonged periods of excess substantial. This is especially true for those

heat, with outdoor workers viewed as the who already work in a hot environment, can you take
most vulnerable, especially those who work either as a result of the process or being in a to protect
in agriculture, fishing and forestry (EU- restricted space, including: workers?

OSHA, 2023). ● Glass and rubber manufacturing plants
Ultimately, all outdoor workers are ● Compressed-air tunnels
Educate both the
impacted to some degree, but especially ● Power plants
employees at risk and
those in physically demanding (such as ● Foundries and smelting operations
their managers so everyone

construction) or time-pressured (such as ● Brick-firing and ceramics plants
is aware of the danger and
postal delivery) industries, where there’s less ● Boiler rooms
common myths – such as ‘You
opportunity for mitigation (Jordan, 2022; ● Bakeries and catering kitchens
don’t need to wear sunscreen
ILO, 2019). ● Laundries. on a cloudy day’ – are dispelled.
Construction accounted for just 6% of (GB Health and Safety Executive, 2013)
global working hours lost to heat stress Provide sunscreen
in 1995, but this is expected to increase Those working in cities might also and instructions on

to 19% by 2030. Significantly, most of the experience the ‘urban heat island’ eff ect, its correct application.
working hours lost to heat stress in North where the outside temperature can be
Track the UV index
America, Europe and the Arab states are in as much as 10°C warmer than in the
and alert workers on
construction (ILO, 2018). surrounding rural areas because of the heat
high-risk days.
For indoor workers in environments that absorbed and retained by artificial surfaces,

have not been designed or constructed to a lack of vegetation and the compounding Minimise exposure
PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY offset high temperatures, as well as those effect of anthropogenic heat – that generated especially between

to direct sunlight,
by buildings, vehicles, machinery or people
with poor ventilation, no air conditioning
(Royal Meteorological Society, 2017).
or a ventilation system that can’t cope
More than 50% of the world’s 11am and 3pm.
population now live in urban areas – a Rotate workers and
figure expected to rise to 70% by 2050. ensure that rest breaks

Elevated temperatures and heatwaves are are taken indoors or in the
shade (natural or man-made).
being felt more intensely in urban areas,
coupled with higher relative humidity
Advise extra caution
and less ventilation, so we will see an
near water, snow and
increasingly significant proportion of the

sand as these all reflect the

workforce affected (Royal Meteorological
sun’s rays, increasing the
Society, 2017). chances of sunburn.
It’s not just in the office, factory or

warehouse, either. Currently, half of all Recommend/provide
UK homes are at risk of overheating in appropriate clothing:
warmer weather, meaning that those long-sleeved tops and trousers
working from home are also feeling the (a close weave or UPF-rated
fabric will provide better
impact (Arup, 2022).
protection), wide-brimmed
hats and eyewear with
UV protection.
Encourage workers
to check their skin
regularly for changes. Provide
guidance on what to look for
– such as moles increasing in
size or becoming itchy.
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