Thermal stress refers to the physiological strain on the body caused by excessive exposure to extreme temperatures, either hot or cold. It is a common concern in many workplaces, particularly those that involve manual labour or that are not properly climate controlled. Symptoms of thermal stress include heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hypothermia, and frostbite.
Symptoms of thermal stress can include heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hypothermia, and frostbite. If you know or suspect your workforce are experiencing any of these symptoms or are at risk, then a thermal risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person.
Under the General Risk and Workplace Management (GRWM) regulations, employers are expected to maintain a work environment that is, as far as reasonably practicable, without risks to the health and safety of workers. This would include ensuring that thermal stress risk is maintained.
A thermal stress assessment is an evaluation of the environmental conditions in a workplace to determine the risk of thermal stress to workers. The assessment typically includes measurements of temperature, humidity, and air flow, as well as an evaluation of the physical demands of the job and the protective clothing and equipment worn by workers. It also looks at the metabolic demands of the job task in question. The goal of the assessment is to identify any potential hazards and make recommendations to control or eliminate them, in order to protect the workers from thermal stress.
Safe and Sound Solutions can help your company by providing thorough and accurate thermal stress risk assessments. We have a team of experienced Occupational Hygienists who are trained to identify and evaluate the environmental conditions that can contribute to thermal stress in the workplace. Our assessment will not only identify potential hazards but also provide recommendations to control or eliminate them. By choosing Safe and Sound Solutions, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have taken all necessary steps to protect your workers from thermal stress.
