Masonry Magazine June 2001 Page. 40
KEEPING WORKERS COOL IN HOT WEATHER
by Joe O'Connor
Executive Vice President
Intec Inc.
HEAT STRESS
One of the advantages of the masonry construction industry is working outdoors in nice weather. Even masons in the northern part of the country get to enjoy sunshine and fresh air as the changing seasons bring on warmer days. But, the deeper we get into the spring and summer, the less attractive the heat becomes. Strenuous physical activity in high temperatures can bring on serious injuries due to heat stress. Heat-related illnesses associated with heat stress range from heat cramps to fatal heat stroke. During the early phases of these illnesses mental and physical impairment occurs. Imagine the impact this will have on an individual atop a scaffold laying block. You need to understand heat stress and ways to avoid it.
As stated in the introduction, activity and weather are important factors in heat stress. This is true because heat is a form of energy. For a person, this energy comes from the environment as well as heat created inside the body from chemical and physical activity. To maintain the proper temperature the body must balance energy created with energy lost. Your body will respond to higher energy or heat levels by increasing heart rate, respiration and perspiration. Perspiration cools the skin as it evaporates. Breathing releases heat through the air you breathe out. Greater blood flow carries more heat from the center of your body to the skin surface. (Continued on page 42)