JOEM: Outcomes for a Heat Illness Prevention Program in Outdoor Workers: A Nine-Year Overview (April 2024)-Outcomes for a Heat Illness Prevention Program in Outdoor Workers: A 9-Year Overview

Outcomes for a Heat Illness Prevention Program in Outdoor Workers: A 9-Year Overview

Pdf Summary

The study analyzed the outcomes of a Heat Illness Prevention Program (HIPP) for outdoor workers in Central Texas over a 9-year period. The program initially included training, acclimatization, and medical surveillance, but a modified version (mHIPP) implemented later excluded medical surveillance. Results showed a decrease in heat-related illness (HRI) rates during the HIPP years, a slight increase during the mHIPP period, highlighting the possible importance of medical surveillance in reducing workforce HRI. The document discusses the increasing global temperatures and the impact of heat hazards on worker productivity and costs. It also mentions the 2021 heatwave in the Pacific Northwest and the need for effective measures to prevent health issues related to heat exposure.<br /><br />The research aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of various components of heat stress prevention programs, especially the role of medical surveillance in lowering HRI incidence. The study reflects on the potential health risks associated with occupational heat exposure and the need for preventive measures. The findings suggest that incorporating medical surveillance in HIPP programs can help identify individual risk factors, provide tailored preventive measures, and reduce the incidence and severity of heat-related illnesses in outdoor workers. The document also highlights the importance of physicians understanding heat-related risks and educating at-risk individuals on preventive measures.<br /><br />It concludes by emphasizing the significance of medical surveillance programs in reducing HRI incidence and associated costs, advocating for the inclusion of such components in workplace heat stress prevention strategies. The study contributes valuable data on actual implementation of heat stress prevention programs and underscores the need for more research in diverse industries and settings to address the risks associated with heat exposure effectively.

Keywords

Heat Illness Prevention Program

HIPP

outdoor workers

Central Texas

heat-related illness

medical surveillance

heat stress prevention programs

workforce health

heat exposure

occupational risks