[ad_1]
Workers in agriculture, environmental goods and services (natural resource management), construction, waste collection, emergency maintenance personnel, transport, tourism and sports. These are just some of the “workers at risk” identified in the ILO report “Ensuring health and safety at work in the context of climate change 2023”, which “opens” a new manual on “Assessment and prevention of heat stress risks at work in the environment”, created by the Occupational Medicine and Hygiene Unit of the Prevention Department of the Social Security Institute of the Republic of San Marino.
The booklet, presented to industry associations and unions in June, is an essential tool for improving workplace safety and health, particularly as climate conditions become increasingly extreme.
The publication, produced in-house by the institute, covers a wide range of topics, including relevant laws and regulations, recommended preventive measures and procedures to follow in the event of a heat emergency. It also includes guidance on how companies can create a safer working environment to prevent “heat stress,” which can have serious consequences for workers.
statement
“This booklet provides important information on how to assess and prevent the risk of heat stress, an increasingly important topic for workers exposed to high temperatures – said Mariella Mularoni, State Secretary for Health and Social Security. Our mission is to ensure that all workers have access to the resources they need to protect their health and safety at work.”
Francesco Bevere, Director General of the ISS, said: “The updating of this booklet required a careful and meticulous process, requiring collaboration between various experts from the relevant departments of the Institute’s Prevention Department, for which I am grateful. The document remains a valuable tool that helps reduce the risk of heat stress during work activities.”
Brochure
The document is available on the ISS website (www.iss.sm) in the section on Occupational Medicine and Hygiene in the Prevention Department and can be downloaded free of charge, especially for companies and workers. We focus on some key points.
Heat stroke
It is necessary to develop an emergency plan to deal with illness due to exposure to heat through the involvement of staff trained in first aid, and to raise awareness among all staff of serious symptoms of heat-related illness, such as dehydration; sudden drop in blood pressure; sudden weakness; palpitations or tachycardia; irritability, drowsiness, thirst; dry skin and mucous membranes; inelastic skin; hypotonic eyes; hyperreflexia and muscle twitching; and reduced diuresis.
General prevention strategies
Fluid and food intake: When working at temperatures between 25°C and 35°C, it is necessary to drink sufficient amounts of fluids, preferably water, to replace fluids lost through sweating. When the temperature is above 35°C (or even lower when it is muggy), it is best to drink at least 3-5 dl (1-2 large glasses) of water 2-3 times per hour. Fluids should be consumed before thirst. Mineral salts lost through sweating may be consumed along with water, as directed by the company doctor. Workers are advised and encouraged to consume easily digestible foods rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables, which help to constantly replenish fluids. The employer must explicitly prohibit the consumption of alcoholic beverages while working.
Breaks: Ensure that there are fully shaded or air-conditioned rest areas. Create shaded areas with access to fresh water for necessary and regular hydration and respect small and frequent breaks throughout the work shift. Taking advantage of early mornings to vary working hours can be a solution to avoid exposure to UV rays and overheating Understand the risks of heat stress Severe hot environments – Prevention and protection (PPE) INAIL 2017. Plan activities as needed. Carry out greater physical activity during the cooler moments of the day and perform tasks in covered, fixed or temporary environments during the hottest hours. It is also necessary to provide a rotation of work tasks by alternating outdoor and indoor activities and activities in the sun with those in the shade during the shift. When the temperature is above 30°C, it is best to take a break of at least 5 minutes in the shade for every hour of work.
Supplement for outdoor work: Avoid exposure of the whole body (including head) during work activities; use high protection sunscreen (personal protective equipment) according to the specific instructions of the company doctor.
[ad_2]
Source link
