Page 271 - IGC BOOK

Effects of Exposure to Extremes of Temperature

Exposure to hot temperature results in significant health issues. The employer provides a
reasonable temperature at the workplace, however due to certain situation the workers
may have to expose to extreme temperature above or below the reasonable temperature.

Sources of heat from the workplace includes Indoor - foundries, steel mills, bakeries, glass
factories, extremely molten materials are the main sources. Outdoor – Constructions, road
works, mining are main sources.

The temperature in a workplace should normally be at least 16 degrees Celsius. If work
involves rigorous physical effort, the temperature should be at least 13 degrees Celsius.
If a reasonable temperature cannot be achieved, then the employer may consider
providing local heating or cooling (air – conditioned) in the workroom.

Effects of Hot Temperature

• Sunburn - reddening of skin, due to over exposure to UV rays from Sunlight
• Dehydration - loss of water content from the body

• Muscle cramp - Salt imbalance – failure to replace salt due to sweat

• Heat stroke - acute illness caused by over exposure to heat, body temperature
often rises greater than 41º C which leads to loss of consciousness

• Heat Exhaustion - caused due to excessive sweating, symptom to heat stroke

Other effects associated with the hot temperature seizures, prolonged exposure causes

skin cancer, chronic heat exhaustion leads to lack of sleepiness.

Extreme Cold – Cold stores

Cold environment brings ill health effects to the workers. The most challenging factors are

temperature, air movement (wind speed), and humidity (wetness)

Effects of Cold Temperature

• Hypothermia - the body’s core temperature falls below 35º C without adequate
clothing, the sensation of cold followed by pain on the exposed area are early signs
followed by shivering.
• Frostbite – injury caused by freezing of skin and tissues, extreme exposure causes
necrosis, amputation
• Frostnip – mild form of frostbite results in numbness in the exposed area usually
painful.
• Heart Problem – cold temperature increases the risk of heart attacks due to
increased heart rate.
• Accidents due to human error as a result of fatigue.
• Slip hazard due to icy floor.

ENSIGN | General Workplace Issues 4