Heat Safety in Plastic Manufacturing

If the body cannot get rid of excess heat, it will store that excess heat, causing its core temperature rises and the heart rate to increase. As the body continues to store heat, a person begins to lose concentration and the ability to focus on a task, may become irritable or sick, and often loses the desire to drink. The next stage is most often fainting, and even death, if the person is not cooled down.

Excessive workplace exposure to heat can cause a range of heat-related illnesses, from heat rash and heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Risk Factors for Heat-Related Illness

Many manufacturing workers are exposed to heat on the job. Environmental factors that put these workers at greater risk of heat-related illness include exposure to radiant heat sources, contact with hot objects, and limited air movement (due to no or inadequate ventilation).  

In addition, some workers might be at greater risk than others if they have not built up a tolerance to hot conditions, or if they have health conditions that make them especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Workers who are suddenly exposed to working in a hot environment face additional, but generally avoidable, hazards to their safety and health.

Heat-Related Illness Prevention

 Heat-related illnesses can be prevented through implementing engineering controls, proper work practices, and worker training.