As a historic winter continues to keep much of North America locked in a deep freeze, the opposite extremes of summer may seem like a welcome respite to many. But for those making their living in the elements (and high-temperature indoor environments), the summer heat offers no break from on-the-job hazards, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting 39 deaths and over 4,000 injuries related to heat stress in 2016.
July 22, 2016, was a hot day in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. By late afternoon, the heat index had spiked to about 110 degrees. That was right around the time 23-year-old landscaper Tyler Halsey – whose shift had begun nine-and-a-half hours earlier at 7 – succumbed to heat stress. He was hospitalized with a core body temperature of more than 108 degrees and died the next day.
Ergodyne has announced today new hi-vis additions to its N-Ferno® Line of warming gear. Now, workers on the cold shift can enjoy comfort and conspicuity from head to toe.
OSHA recently asked employers and safety professionals to share their techniques for keeping workers safe from extreme heat. The agency said it received many responses and was impressed with the innovative efforts to keep workers safe during extreme heat conditions. Here are a few examples:
Ergodyne has announced today strategic updates to the hydration packs in its Chill-Its® Cooling Line. Each model now features a redesigned DualCap bladder opening, and premium models 5156 and 5157 are now only available in a larger 3-liter bladder.
Electric Fan Engineering has released its patent pending THERMAL STAR® BODY COOLING SYSTEM that will provide stimulating cooling relief for people that are exposed to high environmental temperatures.
Ergodyne has announced today a new, leading-edge technology and product addition to the Chill-Its® Cooling Category: the Chill-Its® 6685 Dry Evaporative Cooling Vest. Providing a unique heat stress solution, the new dry vest employs a patented dry evaporative technology that keeps workers cool and dry during the summer season.