Manufacturing in the Summer: The High Costs of Heat
Posted July 9, 2013 & filed under References, Uncategorized
As temperatures continue to rise and the Southwest experiences 120-130 degree F days it looks as if we are in for a rough and hot summer. July and August are notoriously uncomfortable months for factory workers, and hot temperatures can have a gruesome effect on the health and productivity of those in the manufacturing industry. As plant owners and managers struggle to keep their workers cool, sweltering conditions in large facilities present dangers such as heat stroke and increased stress.
The overt dangers of heat stress
According to OSHA, thousands of workers are affected by heat stress every year, with a few cases unfortunately leading to death. When the human body is unable to rid itself of excess heat, the body stores it. As temperatures begin to rise, workers can become sick, dehydrated, and lethargic. Eventually they run the risk of passing out and requiring medical attention.
Heat stress can start at low temperatures, with the effects increasing exponentially after 91 degrees F. When employees are constantly moving, lifting, and physically exerting themselves they become even more susceptible to these risks, so employers have to be aware of the conditions of their work environment.
The hidden dangers
Workers that begin to suffer from heat stress are often unable to concentrate, and thus become less productive on the job. Studies have shown that for every 1.8 degree F increase in temperature above 77 degrees F, workers cede a 2% reduction in work performance. Because of their inability to focus on the task at hand, workers can become less efficient and more susceptible to producing low quality work results.
Additionally, the costs of sending workers home due to sweltering conditions, or worse yet, to the hospital, can wreak havoc on a company’s bottom line, not to mention their costs in health premiums. Manufacturing companies can preserve their employees’ health, and the good of their company, by increasing their awareness of the dangers of high temperatures.
How to keep your cool
The first step to ensuring employee safety from heat related illness is the facility itself. Many facilities in the manufacturing fields are large and hard to ventilate, so plant managers should work with factory owners to install proper cooling and ventilation systems. It may cost money up front, but the amount you will save with increased productivity and safety will pay off in the long run.
Second is the proper training of management and employees to recognize the symptoms of heat stroke, heat stress, and other heat related injuries. If an employee appears nauseous, confused, or is having trouble breathing then they should be given treatment immediately. OSHA provides a full list of symptoms and procedures here.
Finally, factory managers should implement rest cycles and breaks for workers, with more physically demanding jobs receiving more frequent breaks. It can also help to provide water or sports drinks to workers at regular intervals throughout the day. A bit of rest and rehydration can go a long way in increasing the work quality, safety, and efficiency of manufacturing employees.
By Kevin Withers
