Evaluation of Occupational Exposure Limits for Heat Stress in Outdoor Workers - United States, 2011-2016

Recommended heat stress occupational exposure limits are based primarily on wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), workload, and acclimatization status. These limits have not been validated at outdoor worksites. Among 25 outdoor occupational heat-related illnesses, WBGT-based occupational exposure limit...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inMMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Vol. 67; no. 26; pp. 733 - 737
Main Authors Tustin, Aaron W, Lamson, Glenn E, Jacklitsch, Brenda L, Thomas, Richard J, Arbury, Sheila B, Cannon, Dawn L, Gonzales, Richard G, Hodgson, Michael J
Format Report
LanguageEnglish
Published Atlanta U.S. Center for Disease Control 06.07.2018
Subjects
Acclimatization
Exposure
Exposure limits
Fatalities
First aid
Heat
Heat stress
Heat tolerance
Heatstroke
Hospital administration
Humidity
Illnesses
Mortality
Occupational exposure
Occupational health
Occupational safety
Risk factors
Workers
Working conditions
Workloads
Washington DC
United States > US
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Summary:Recommended heat stress occupational exposure limits are based primarily on wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), workload, and acclimatization status. These limits have not been validated at outdoor worksites. Among 25 outdoor occupational heat-related illnesses, WBGT-based occupational exposure limits were exceeded for all 14 fatalities and for eight of 11 nonfatal illnesses. Six fatalities occurred when the Heat Index was <91°F (32.8°C). Whenever heat stress exceeds occupational exposure limits, workers should be protected by acclimatization programs, training about symptom recognition and first aid, and provision of rest breaks, shade, and water. A Heat Index of 85°F (29.4°C) could be used as a screening threshold to prevent heat-related illness.
ISSN:0149-2195
1545-861X