AOHC Encore 2023-227 How to Create a Heat Stress Medical Surveillance Program

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In a video transcript summarized above, Dr. Rhonda McCarthy and Dr. Brett Perkison discuss the importance of heat stress surveillance programs in industrial settings. They highlight the increasing prevalence of heat-related illnesses and the need for organizations to understand the health hazards associated with heat stress. The doctors emphasize the role of medical surveillance programs in preventing heat-related illnesses and reducing workers' compensation costs. They detail the design and components of an effective heat stress surveillance program, including medical evaluations, biomarker testing, and return-to-work evaluations. The doctors also mention the importance of acclimatization, training, and administrative controls in preventing heat illnesses. They touch on the regulatory environment, including OSHA recommendations and proposed rules, and the need for employers to be proactive in implementing heat stress prevention programs. They conclude by discussing the impact of a comprehensive heat illness prevention program that includes medical surveillance, presenting findings from a study highlighting the benefits of such a program in reducing heat-related illnesses and associated costs. The doctors also address audience questions regarding the implementation of surveillance programs, the use of wearables, and the challenges of acclimatizing workers in different climates. Overall, the doctors stress the importance of implementing heat stress surveillance programs to protect workers and promote a healthy and safe work environment. No explicit credits are given.

Keywords

heat stress surveillance programs

industrial settings

heat-related illnesses

medical surveillance programs

workers' compensation costs

effective heat stress surveillance program

acclimatization

administrative controls

OSHA recommendations

comprehensive heat illness prevention program