In times of excessive cold or excessive heat we expose ourselves to environmental conditions that our body cannot withstand, which can lead to problems for our health, both emotional and physical.

This excessive temperature impact also occurs at work and is known as occupational thermal stress .

What is stress
thermal at work

Thermal stress is known as the state of discomfort that occurs in the human body due to temperature imbalances, either due to excessive heat accumulation or loss.

The main cause of thermal stress is the existence of unfavorable work environments, that is, when the environment is not comfortable for workers. In these cases, the human body cannot maintain its optimal internal temperature.

What types of stress
thermal exist

The best known is thermal stress due to heat, however there is also thermal stress due to cold.

Thermal stress due to heat

It occurs when the environment is hot and/or extreme activities are carried out, increasing the body temperature. In normal situations, the mechanisms we have are put in place to reduce the high temperature. However, when the conditions are so extreme our body is not able to compensate for the temperature, thus producing what is known as heat stress .

Thermal stress due to cold

Cold thermal stress is stress that occurs as a result of occupational exposure to cold work environments. Such exposure can produce symptoms ranging from mild, such as chills, to more serious problems such as physiological hypothermia.

Likewise, cold stress can be classified into:

  • General cooling stress.
  • Stress due to local cooling of extremities, caused by the effect of wind, contact with cold surfaces or the respiratory tract.

How to prevent
cold stress

To prevent work stress, it is necessary to evaluate workers' exposure to cold and implement the necessary preventive measures to avoid engaging in unsafe work practices.

Some of the measures that could be considered preventive against heat stress are:

  • Protect workers' extremities : it is a way to avoid localized cooling.
  • Select the appropriate clothing : that which facilitates the evaporation of sweat, preventing it from getting cold and thus cooling us.
  • Drinking hot liquids : helps recover heat energy losses.
  • Wear windproof clothing : reduce the effect of air speed.
  • Carry out prior medical examinations : an appropriate measure to detect circulatory dysfunctions, skin problems, etc.
  • Replace damp clothing : prevent the water from freezing and the subsequent loss of heat energy.
  • Use windbreak screens outdoors.

Sometimes it is very difficult to control extreme cold or hot temperatures . Therefore, it is important to always use appropriate clothing to carry out our work in adverse temperatures.

At Impotusa we have all kinds of items for the protection of workers and in this way prevent possible risks to their health. Contact us and we will advise you on everything you need.

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