Workers at Greater Risk for Heat-Related Illness and Injury ‌
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As a supervisor, you must be aware of workers who are at greater risk of developing a heat-related injury or illness. Workers who have the following conditions are at an increased risk for heat illness:

Non-Modifiable

  • Type 1 Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • Autonomic Dysfunction
  • Hyper- and Hypo-hidrosis
  • Kidney Pathology
  • Medications that affect thermoregulation, central nervous system function and sodium balance

Modifiable

  • Sedentary Lifestyle
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Obesity

If you have workers with any of these conditions, the following precautions should be taken prior to occupational exposure in a hot environment:

  • Identification of the pre-existing condition through medical monitoring
  • Pre-placement evaluation
  • Fit-for-duty evaluation


‌The following education and preparation should be encourage for the worker:

  • Proper hydration
  • Adequate sleep
  • Increased fitness levels
  • Notifying a supervisor of recent illness