Course Description:
Recorded at AIHce EXP 2023
Heat stress management is receiving renewed interest due to hot weather events and OSHA's intent to develop a standard. The new ACGIH TLV® for heat stress/strain offers a systematic approach for heat stress exposure evaluations and a framework for interventions. The interventions focus on reducing the probability of a serious heat-related illness and reducing the consequences. The evaluation considers the job risk factors of environment, metabolic demands and clothing requirements as well as the personal risk factor of acclimatization. When the exposures are below the TLV, there remains some probability that a serious heat-related illness may occur. The keys to managing the consequences are: a) early recognition, b) first aid, and c) emergency response. This session will have an interactive discussion of: 1) exposure assessments, 2) interventions, 3) key policy issues, and 4) the limitations of some common practices (e.g., acclimatization, hydration).
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the session, the participant will be able to:
• Explain to others the rationale for heat stress exposure thresholds.
• Identify the principles behind policy and practice decisions.
• Describe to others the principal interventions on probability and consequences.
• Develop a heat stress management program.
1
Presentation Date:
05/24/2023
Presenters:
Thomas Bernard, PhD, CIH, CSP
June Spector, MD MPH
