There are several levels of heat stress ranging from heat rash to the most severe condition—heat stroke and sometimes death. Operations involving high air temperatures, radiant heat sources, high humidity, direct physical contact with hot objects, or strenuous physical activities have a high potential for causing heat-related illness. Workplaces with these conditions may include foundries, glass products facilities, electrical utilities, facilities with boiler rooms and many more. Outdoor operations conducted in hot weather and direct sun, such as construction, landscaping, oil and well professions, and emergency response operations also increase the risk of occupational heat exposure illnesses in workers.
According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there were 31 heat-related worker deaths and 4,120 heat-related worker illnesses. “When possible, workers should avoid constant exposure to extreme heat, sun exposure and high humidity,” said Kevin Clary, Vice President of Loss Control with Amerisure. “Our extreme weather bulletin identifies the symptoms of heat stress, provides safety tips on how to treat heat-related illnesses before they occur, as well as recommended treatment when symptoms are recognized.”
To learn more about preventing occupational heat exposure illnesses, download Amerisure’s Extreme Weather Bulletin: Heat Stress & Safety at www.amerisure.com/tips
About Amerisure Insurance
Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company, a stock insurer, is a property and casualty insurance company with experience insuring American businesses since 1912. Amerisure and its affiliates target mid-sized commercial enterprises in manufacturing, construction and healthcare through strategically located Core Service Centers across the United States. For more information, visit www.amerisure.com.
