As temperatures continue to rise, many shops are beginning to feel the heat. Harvard Business Review has shared ways that businesses can help keep their workers healthy as they work through some of the hottest days of the year.
Employers should first prevent harm being done by educating their staff on signs of illness caused by heat, such as symptoms of heat stress and heat stroke.
In order to determine if workplace temperatures are too hot, there are some factors to consider, such as how much humidity, sunlight and airflow there is, how much physical movement and protective gear is required, and being mindful of individual risk factors such as age or pre-existing conditions.
Once the temperature can be gauged, consistent thermal conditions must be maintained. This can be achieved through methods such as enhancing airflow in workspaces and scheduling work during cooler times of the day.
For those who are less tolerant of the heat, businesses may need to consider helping staff acclimate to the heat through a process of gradually increasing exposure for one to two weeks.
Employers should also devise a long-term plan for avoiding accidents from extreme heat, such as establishing connections with local weather and health authorities.
For further guidance, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has provided guidance on how to keep staff members safe during excessive heat.
