Heat Stress

Heat Stress

Safety Consulting By HSE-RM Solution (www.hse-rm.com)

Qualitative assessment of heat perception and impacts
Qualitative assessment of heat perception and impact by HSE-RM Solution advisors, a tailored program with practical solutions, analysed collective data given a unique insight, a 2-day onsite assessment, and 1-day practical implementation consciousness/training, could mould overall understanding of changed work environment and impacts.


Practical approach questionnaire
1.        General information (awareness on heat stress element understanding)
2.       Type of work (knowledge of work, activities & type)
3.        Workers’ exposure to heat (provision & safety plan review)
4.       Health impacts (impact assessment & record verification, with provisions)
5.       Productivity impacts (measure of work activities, productivity graph & personal involvement)
6.       Impacts of clothing (PPE matrix, use, selection)
7.       Process mechanisms (impact time, controls, and provisions assessment)

HSE-RM Solution advisors, walk-through qualitative assessment of heat perception & impact program is personally tailored. Safety perception of the different workplace to identify sampling locations for heat monitoring and to make observations about the workplace ventilation and existing cooling provisions. Qualitative data collected on different days when work is in progress.

Based on Indian condition and mercury rising to 35-40 and 40+ degree, international guidelines state, under the controlled cycle of operations, work limitation, corrective & preventive action to be imparted. All such words on practical implementation, however, these programs ignore the most appropriate methods for eliminating health and safety hazards. Safety is often the starting point for positive change initiatives within organizations. Planning and managing change is a strategic advantage if successfully executed. If not, however, a downward spiral of negative expectations can eventually paralyze any willingness to confront change. Therefore, in addition to being an important area for positive change, a safety initiative's success or failure may foreshadow the success or failure of future change efforts.


The practical solution to adaptive climate change:
Health and productivity impacts of occupational heat stress have significant consequences for the large workforce of India. Heat-rashes, dehydration, heat syncope and urinogenital symptoms are self-reported health issues. Assessed reasons for productivity losses were: extended work hours due to fatigue/exhaustion, sickness/hospitalization and wages lost. Reducing workplace heat stress will benefit industries and workers via improving worker health and productivity. Adaptation and mitigation measures to tackle heat stress are imperative to protect the present and future workforce as climate change progresses. During hotter and cooler seasons, wet bulb globe temperatures (WBGT) are used to quantify the risk of heat stress, according to international workplace guidelines. Questionnaires assessed workers’ perceived health and productivity impacts from heat stress.

Practical, adaptive solution is to revisit & reinforcing safety plan on a regular basis, especially when new risks are identified or working conditions change. These changes may include not only the introduction of new equipment or processes but also changes in the weather. Many businesses, warmer months mean a potential increase in heat-related workplace injuries or illnesses. In addition to the work whose positions are primarily outdoors, such as construction, project engineers, landscapers, it is important to remember that people who primarily work indoor service, repair shop workers, are also at risk when the mercury rises. Heat exposure — whether from the sun or from process machinery — can be a contributing factor to employee injuries or illnesses across a range of industries.

Even brief exposure to heat can cause a serious burn or sunstroke, but prolonged exposure to high temperatures makes it difficult for the human body to cool down, which can lead to dangerous and even life-threatening conditions. At the very least, high temperatures can cause potential hazards such as sweaty, slippery hands, fogged-up safety equipment and distractions due to physical discomfort.


Facts to be known don’t confuse
A fellow employee who is exposed to extreme temperatures can experience any of the following heat-related illnesses:
Heat cramps
Caused result from loss of a large amount of salt and water through exercise. Heat cramps are associated with cramping in the abdomen, arms, and calves. This can be caused by inadequate consumption of fluids or electrolytes. Heavy sweating, fatigue & thirst, are the mildest form of heat-related illness.  Prompt treatment, including consumption of electrolyte-containing beverages and moving to a cool area, can usually help keep heat cramps from progressing to heat exhaustion.
Practical steps:
·         Stop activity.
·         Rest in a cool environment.
·         Drink plenty of fluids. (prefer electrolyte mix rather than only water)
·         Perform gentle stretches to the affected muscle group.
·         Monitor the cramp. (record and report incident)
·         Do not return to the activity right after cramps go away.
·         Anticipate future reappearances.
Call your doctor if these conditions develop:
·         If you are unable to drink sufficient fluids because you have nausea or are vomiting, you may need rehydration with normal saline.
·         Heat cramps may accompany heat exhaustion.
·         If you have more severe symptoms of heat illness, including dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, headache, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, or a high temperature, get immediate medical care.

Heat exhaustion
With prolonged heat exposure, due to a loss of fluids and salts, heavy sweating and a rapid pulse is observed, this is a result of your body overheating. The body is unable to properly cool itself, and reduced blood flow to the brain may cause headaches and dizziness. People with high blood pressure are especially at risk.
Keep an eye on fellow workers for:
·         Faintness or dizziness.
·         Nausea or vomiting.
·         Heavy sweating often accompanied by cold, clammy skin.
·         Weak, rapid pulse.
·         Pale or flushed face.
·         Muscle cramps.
·         Headache.
·         Weakness or fatigue
Practical steps:
·         Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty.
·         Rest in the shade to cool down.
·         Wear a hat and light-colored clothing.
·         Learn the signs of heat illness and what to do in an emergency.
o    Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing.
o    Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
o    Apply other cooling measures such as fans or ice towels.

Heat stroke
Heat stroke shocks the body’s cooling system and causes it to shut down. The most common type of heatstroke is sunstroke, which is caused by the sun shining directly on the head and neck for prolonged periods of time. Heat stroke is the most serious disorder associated with heat stress. It occurs when the body's temperature regulation fails and body temperature rises to critical levels. It is a medical emergency that can lead to death. In severe cases, a person’s body temperature can spike to 40o c or more in as little as 10 minutes, which can lead to organ failure. If heatstroke isn’t treated immediately, it can be fatal.

Normal human body temperature, also known as normothermia or euthermia, is the typical temperature range found in humans. The normal human body temperature range is typically stated as 36.5–37.5 °c  (97.7–99.5 °f)


Simplified heat stress index
Category
Apparent
Signe & symptom developed
Caution
26-32oc (80-90of)
Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and physical activity
Extreme caution
32.5-40.5oc (90-105of)
Sunstroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion possible with prolonged exposure and physical activity.
Danger
40.5-54.0oc (105-130of)
Sunstroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion likely. Heatstroke possible with prolonged exposure and physical activity
Extreme danger
54.5oc (> 130of +)
Heatstroke or sunstroke imminent
               
Workable workload based on international standards

Work -rest regimen
Light
Moderate
Heavy
Continuous work
30 oc / 86of
26.5 oc / 80of
25 oc / 77of
75% work
25% rest, each hour
30.5 oc / 87 of
27.7 oc / 82 of
25.5 oc / 78
50% work
50% rest, each hour
31.6 oc / 89 of
29.4 oc / 85 of
27.7 oc / 82 of
25% work
75% rest, each hour
32.2 oc / 90 of
31.1 oc / 88 of
30 oc / 86 of

These threshold values are based on assumption that nearly all acclimatized, fully clothed workers with adequate water and salt intake should be able to function effectively under the given conditions without exceeding deep body temperature or core temperature of 38 Oc (100.4 Of). They are also based on assumption that the wet bulb globe temperature index (WBGT) of the resting place is the same or very close to that of the workplace. Where the WBGT of the work area is different from that of the rest area, a time-weighted average should be used.


Light
Sitting at ease, writing/typing, sorting light materials, inspecting crops, driving mobile equipment on paved roads.
Moderate
Using a hand rigger, off-road operation of mobile equipment, periodic handling of moderately heavy materials, digging, picking loads, spraying, container spraying on level ground, pushing or pulling light-weight carts or wheelbarrows, washing vehicles, walking 2-4 km/ph.
Heavy
Transferring heavy materials, shoveling, digging hard soil, hand mowing, loading sacks, stacking heavy loads, planting seedlings, hand-sawing wood, pushing or pulling loaded handcarts or wheelbarrows, moving irrigation pipe, laying cinder blocks, knapsack spraying on rough ground or an incline, walking 5 km/ph.
Very heavy
Heavy digging, ax work, climbing stairs, ramps, or ladders, lifting more that 15 kgs at 10 lifts per minute, walking faster that 5 km/ph, jogging, running

 
Certain medical conditions may be a factor in causing heat illness or may intensify by heat:
a)       Skin disorders may limit sweating (ex: dermatitis, when intensified by heat/moisture).
b)      Heart and lung diseases may limit the ability to cope with heat and may intensify by it.
c)       Diabetes, poorly controlled, may contribute to dehydration and may intensify by excessive heat.
d)      Diarrhea may contribute to dehydration.

e)       Obesity requires increased energy to move around and the extra insulation reduces heat loss – both contribute to the body's overall heat gain.

World Tuberculosis Day 24th March, 2017

President of India’s message on the eve of World Tuberculosis Day
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has called upon all stakeholders to redouble their efforts for an early achievement of the goal of TB elimination on the eve of World Tuberculosis Day.

In his message sent to the Global Coalition Against Tuberculosis, the President has said, “I am happy to learn that World Tuberculosis Day is being observed on 24th March, 2017 to commemorate the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch discovered the TB bacillus.

TB continues to be one of the major health challenges of India. The country today is better prepared to fight TB than ever before. It is capable of effective intervention and possesses advanced technologies for diagnosis, treatment, and care of TB. During the period 2012-2017, the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme screened over 42 million individuals and more than 7 million patients were administered treatment.

On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, I call upon all stakeholders to redouble their efforts for an early achievement of the goal of TB elimination”.
Ref.: Press Information Bureau Government of India President's Secretariat

World Tuberculosis Day 2017: Rise of multidrug-resistant TB threatens India 

India is also among the six countries that account for 60 percent of the total TB cases globally, a study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine said.
During the Union Budget address, last month, the government of India announced its plan to eliminate TB by 2025, however, experts say the programs initiated by the government have not been able to reach the marginalized sections.
"As per the standards of today, many changes have taken place. TB has been declared a modifiable disease and it is mandatory now for every physician and the hospitals including private ones to notify the disease to the district/state TB centers or authorities.
Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is an infectious, airborne disease that mainly affects your lungs. It is also one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide.
Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the disease can be spread from person to person through the air when people with lung TB cough, sneeze, spit, laugh, speak, propelling the germs into the air.
But there are simple things which one can do to prevent and minimize the risk of developing the disease.

Here are some ways to prevent TB:
ü  One should avoid close contact with TB-infected people.
ü  If you cannot avoid contact with patients, wear a protective mask and gloves to avoid breathing in TB bacteria.
ü  People who are infected with the disease should maintain a proper personal hygiene.
ü  TB patients should sleep alone in a separate, adequately ventilated room.
ü  Regular exercise is a must for all TB patients as it boosts the immunity as well as improve their health.
ü  Tuberculosis patient should eat a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains to maintain their immune system.
ü  Get adequate sleep every night.
ü  If you test positive for latent TB, treat it before it becomes active.

Causes of TB
On World Tuberculosis Day, let's spare a thought as to how the changing lifestyle and stress lead to low immunity and leave people vulnerable to TB. Earlier, TB was tagged as a disease endemic to the lower strata of the society. However, the increase in the use of faulty air conditioners, lack of ventilation and other reasons have led to the spread of the airborne disease.
An increase in the number of bone TB cases especially youngsters have been noted, it is essential to provide timely treatment and proper medication. If not then the bone will start deforming and the patient may have to go for replacement surgery. Spine TB forms puss that can destroy the bones and add pressure to the nerves which can cause paralysis hence the need for timely diagnosis and treatment.
The government has organized various facilities and free treatment opportunities for TB patients, this is helping patients to detect the disease at an early stage itself. As TB spreads through the air, those with low immunity are at a greater risk of contracting TB. Youngsters these days are confined to their home/industry with various gadgets to entertain them. Those who prefer to sit in a closed room to work/study, As the ventilation is poor in confined areas, makes it the common way to catch TB infection."
"Timely diagnosis and early initiation of treatment will help patient to recover faster and prevent complications. It is no more the disease of the poor as we can see many teenagers from families with a good socioeconomic background also contracting it. Those with lower immunity caused due to improper food habits, long fasting gaps, inadequate sleep are prone to catch an infection

When a person develops active TB disease, the symptoms such as a cough, fever, night sweats, or weight loss may be mild for many months. This can lead to delays in seeking care and results in a transmission of the bacteria to others. People with active TB can infect 10–15 other people through close contact over the course of a year.
Who is at risk of getting TB?
 Tuberculosis mostly affects adults in their most productive years. However, all age groups are at risk. Over 95% of cases and deaths are in developing countries.
People who are infected with HIV are 20 to 30 times more likely to develop active TB. The risk of active TB is also greater in persons suffering from other conditions that impair the immune system.
Tobacco use greatly increases the risk of TB disease and death. More than 20% of TB cases worldwide are attributable to smoking.
Impact of TB
TB occurs in every part of the world. In 2015-16, 87% of new TB cases occurred in the 30 high TB burden countries. Six countries accounted for 60% of the new TB cases: India, Indonesia, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, and South Africa. Global progress depends on advances in TB prevention and cares in these countries.
Treatment
A radical draft National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Elimination of TB that proposes to bring down new tuberculosis (TB) infections by nearly 80% over the next eight years says India must expand the programme to the private sector, offer direct benefits transfer to patients, improve surveillance and monitoring of patients, and increase funding for the existing TB control programme. 

(Source: World Health Organization)



Safety

Safety Share

Remembering your own work place signage’s, slogans & practices, tool box you remember and write it down on a pace of paper. Recall safety practices which I recalled from mentors and advisors always say Thank You Sir for keeping me Safe.

“Know The Importance Of Life To Recognize The Rules Of Safety”
“Our Moto Safety Toto”
“Safe Guard The Work Area” [Spot Danger In Work Area Inspect For Unsafe Conditions, Take Action]
“Safe Guard The Work Method” [Spot Danger In Day-To-Day Job Take Action]
“Safe Guard The Worker” [Check Knowledge On Safety Instruction Guide And Train Them]
“Duty Pays You, Safety Saves You”

Always Be Careful Don’t Endure Fellow Workers Get Help If Job Knowledge Lacking Maintain Normal Operation Procedure Quickly Replace Safety Tackle Use Vigilance When Xpanding Youthful Zeal

 These lines seem simple re-think it is complete ABC of Safety



 

Always Be Careful Don’t Endure Fellow Workers Get Help If Job Knowledge Lacking Maintain Normal Operation Procedure Quickly Replace Safety Tackle Use Vigilance When Xpanding Youthful Zeal 


Piyush Tripathi
Trailblazer
M: +91-9824663306
E: hse@hse-rm.com
W: www.hse-rm.com

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