Heat Stress

Heat stress can have serious effects on employees in certain jobs, and can lead to accidents and in some extreme cases death.  Heat stress occurs when a person is unable to control their temperature regulation system.  This can happen particularly when working in hot conditions like a manufacturing plant, bakery or laundry.  The nature of this kind of work means that it is not possible to remove the heat source and naturally cool down.  Heat stress can also occur where employees are not able to remove protective clothing. The hot summer months may increase the risks in some sectors but in many jobs heat stress is an all year round issue.

The symptoms of heat stress include impaired concentration, headaches, muscle cramps and fainting.  Heat stroke is the most server outcome and can result in a coma and in extreme cases can sometime be fatal.

The HSE has developed guidelines for employers on how to manage and assess the risks of heat stress in their workplace and heat reduction methods which include mechanical assistance to reduce the rate of work, regulation of heat exposure periods, provision of cool water and training staff effectively.

Failure to undertake a risk assessment, or to act on its recommendations, may leave an employer open to a compensation claim.  If you have suffered from Heat Stress as the result of a negligent employer you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation and should seek the advice of a Personal Injury lawyer.