AOHC Encore 2024-317 When You're Hot, You're Hot; When You're Not, You're Not: Practical Measures for Dealing with Heat Stress

317 When You're Hot, You're Hot; When You're Not, You're Not: Practical Measures for Dealing with Heat Stress

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session, titled "When You're Hot, You're Hot, When You're Not, You're Not: Practical Measures for Dealing with Heat Stress," was led by Dr. Doug Martin and Dr. Bob Bourgeois. Dr. Martin shared insights from the meatpacking industry in Iowa, where workers face heat stress challenges due to the hot and humid environment during processing. He discussed strategies like utility workers in yellow hats for relief, job rotations, cooling vests, and camelbacks for water access. On the other hand, Dr. Bourgeois highlighted heat stress issues in Louisiana, particularly among outdoor workers like farm workers and roofers. He discussed challenges related to high temperatures, reflective surfaces, and the impact of protective gear on heat exposure. The session also addressed the use of technology, like wearables and sensors, for monitoring and mitigating heat-related risks, but noted that adoption in these settings is still evolving. The discussion also touched on considerations related to workers with post-COVID autonomic dysfunctions and the need for holistic approaches to address heat stress risks both at work and off duty. Overall, the presentation emphasized the importance of proactive measures, like risk assessments, hydration strategies, and scheduled breaks, to safeguard workers from heat-related illnesses in diverse occupational settings.

Keywords

heat stress

Dr. Doug Martin

Dr. Bob Bourgeois

meatpacking industry

Louisiana

outdoor workers

technology for monitoring heat

post-COVID autonomic dysfunctions

risk assessments