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We experience stress when our body does not have enough resources to cope. Similarly, we experience heat stress when our body can't cope with excessive heat.
Our earth is heating. and as the sun blazes down on construction sites, agricultural fields and factories, workers face a common, yet often underestimated, adversary: heat stress.
Stress can slowly develop into grave health-related problems over time. It's very crucial to address this issue at the earliest possible time. Awareness and prevention can go a long way in protecting employee health.
Like any other form of stress, this condition can have social, emotional and psychological consequences for the individual. With the right awareness and preventative strategies, occupational heat stress can be dealt with effectively.
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Understanding occupational heat stress
In reality, only a few people are aware about the types of stress. Occupational heat stress is the result of body's inability to cool down in high-temperature environments.
When the temperature of the body rises, it can lead to multiple health concerns, like heat strokes as well as exhaustion, and are life threatening in some cases.
This form of stress is typically the result of working long hours in hot weather conditions while carrying heavy protective equipment with limited access to proper hydration and shade.
It's of utmost importance to identify the signs at the earliest as heat and stress are a harmful combination. Signs may include sweating profusely, rapid breathing, nausea and dizziness. Taking these symptoms lightly can lead to more chronic forms of stress.
Heat stress prevention in the workplace
Preventing occupational stress is vital for the overall well-being of workforce. It's also a key consideration in maintaining workplace mental health.
Many things can be done to ensure compliance, starting with the basics. A responsible employer will make sure that there's access to fresh water for employees at all times and that they're well hydrated. That results in safe working conditions.
Offering shaded spaces for workers to rest is very important. These small rests allows the body temperature to come down and helps in recovery. Rest should be a must during the hottest hours. It can take anywhere between two to three weeks for employees to get adjusted to a hot climate.
Employers should try to allocate physically demanding jobs during the cooler parts of the day. That greatly helps in reducing exposure to extreme heat and lowers any risk related to stress.
Protective gear can be great, but it isn't breathable and traps heat. For effective identifying of the symptoms of this condition, both employers and employees must receive necessary training in stress management. To prevent severe damage, early identification is the key.
By implementing heat stress monitoring programs, it can be easier to assess workers' stress level as well as environment conditions regularly. That enables faster adjustments to working conditions whenever needed.
Finally, regularly checking in with your employees helps them know that help and support is available.
Every employer should be aware of their workforce's working conditions. The conditions are associated directly to employee well-being and productivity. They must take all measures to create a safe working environment, which protects their workforce from any heat related damages.
By effectively implementing hydration measures regular breaks and proper protective gears workers may be able to go home safely, even on hot days. Employees who know that their employers are likely to protect their mental and physical health, including from heat stress, are most likely to give their best.
Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.
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