What helps to prevent heat stress?
It is obviously more difficult for the employer to control the environment for outdoor work, than for indoor work. However, if work has to be done outdoors then employers must be responsible in taking steps that are available to protect workers. These include: • Providing canopies or awnings over sections of the site where work is currently being carried out, to shield workers from the ultra-violet rays of the sun, as well as from the direct heat of the sun. • Providing regular rest breaks. A ten minute break every hour, in a cooler area, helps the body to cool off, especially where the work is hard, physical work. The length of the break should be increased if the temperature is very high. As a practical guideline, the following measures can be followed in most workplaces: Temperature Rest Period 30 to 32º 10 minutes 32 to 35º 15 minutes more than 35º at least 30 minutes • Providing air-conditioned sheds or vehicles for rest breaks. These must obviously be near each area w
