Heat waves pose a real and direct risk to humans. Health between workersespecially for those who work outdoors; like those building or countryside. As UN experts have noted in their latest report, Spain is one of the ‘hot spots’ of the climate crisis and high temperatures will become more and more frequent in workers’ daily lives. With this in mind and to minimize health risks, unions Remember that all companies are occupational risk prevention planthat workers must stop before any event imminent danger and periodic breaks and hydration are essential.
At what temperature is it dangerous to work?
There is no specific temperature to be able to confirm that a job should stop automatically because a risk safe and close to the worker. There is no magic figure, but there are circumstances that make an accident more likely than any other. depends on various factors such as Workload -more or less light-, fitness it is not the same whether the person has diabetes or not, for example, or business attire -more or less thick- bearing; among others”, explains the person in charge of occupational safety of the UGT of Catalonia, Antonia Fuentes.
The company must have an assessment plan. occupational hazards It determines the maximum temperatures at which it must operate, adapting to each environment (external or internal). An office is not the same as a workshop where metal is welded. this Emet, for its part, has its own advice when there is a real danger of heatstroke, cramps or sunstroke. What is technically known as ‘thermal stress’.
Depends on the temperature moisture. For example, in a dry environment (45% humidity) 33 degrees worker must take extreme measures and 41 degrees There is a clear danger. In Barcelona, where the normal humidity is 60%, these measures are a few degrees ‘advanced’. like that 30 degrees measures should be taken and 34 degrees There is an obvious risk.
What to do in an emergency?
If a worker feels tiredHave headacheI know tide or have muscle ramps should stop automatically when performing its functions. These are the main symptoms associated with a disease. heat strokeoccurs when the temperature of the human body exceeds 40 degrees. Here, according to the basic recommendations Ministry of Labor A Generalitat employee must stop, notify a colleague, so that he or she can call the company’s emergency or medical services.
If a heatstroke victim is able to go to a shaded area on their own feet, they should wait there for help. Otherwise, you should expect a partner to help you get there. The worker has the right to cease activity if it poses a direct risk to his health and cannot be condemned or punished by the company. If this happens, you can file a complaint. labor inspection.
How often should breaks be taken?
Taking breaks from time to time depending on the type of activity is an important element to prevent work accidents. “There is no bad luck if things are done well”, recalls the head of occupational health of the Catalonia UGT. The frequency of breaks should be determined and specified in the occupational risk assessment plan. The higher the workload, the more frequent the breaks. The worker must know this, his superiors must know and ensure and promote the fulfillment of these breaks. Although the worker was not tired at that time. And the company is responsible for providing an air-conditioned or cool (shady) place to take these breaks.
And how often do you need to moisturize?
Hydration is another important element to prevent heatstroke or any risk from it. thermal stress. to drink often this anyone isotonic drinks It is something workers have to do and the company has to bear the cost.
Which work clothes are suitable?
Workers should run their shifts with: business attire sufficient. and it should be approved and must be paid by the company. Protective sunglasses for personnel working in furnaces or foundries, clothing that protects adequately from the sun to prevent burns, or hats if there is a risk of thermal stress. Each sector and activity will require different clothing and protection items, but these must always be guaranteed by the company; that they are in the right conditions.
Exposing large parts of the body is strongly discouraged by occupational risk prevention professionals. No matter how hot it is, it is not recommended for a construction worker, gardener or seasonal worker to remove the shirt as it increases the chance of burns. In fact, the recommendation is loose, cool clothing that covers as much of the body as possible.
How should the day be organized?
Compress the day somehow Dense so the workers fewer hours of exposure It is one of the demands of the unions to minimize the risks with heat in the sun. However, this issue is not mandatory for companies and should be the result of the collective bargaining agreement whether it is ultimately implemented or not. The company is free to arrange the day as it sees fit, although it always guarantees the minimum and basic conditions of job security. Avoiding the hottest hours such as noon is recommended, but not mandatory.