2011 was one of the top 15 hottest years on record. In the contiguous United States, for the period from June 2011 to June 2012, temperatures have been the hottest on record. Higher global temperatures increase the chances of extreme weather, like the severe drought that was seen in Texas this year, and the unusually high heat in England.
An increase in global temperature will lead to a higher likelihood of heat exhaustion and heat stress, so it’s important to recognize these hazards if you’re supervising outdoor workers, or if you are an outdoor worker yourself. High heat can cause body temperatures to rise to dangerous levels if precautions aren’t taken. Heat illnesses can range from heat rash and heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke can result in death.
As OSHA points out on their website post about these increased heat dangers to workers:
“During heat waves we worry about the elderly, people who live alone, the homeless, and others. It’s time to make outdoor workers a part of that group.”
Convergence Training has a 13 minute video course meant to raise awareness of heat illnesses. Click here for a full description of our Heat Stress Causes course.
