Global climate change is impacting the way we conduct work. Average temperatures, in the U.S. have increased by 1.3°F to 1.9°F since temperature record keeping began in 1895. Temperatures in the U.S. are rising and expected to continue to rise unless climate mitigation efforts are successful sometime in the future. Meanwhile, rising temperatures will cause an increased risk for workers in high heat conditions.
“Ongoing global climate change is making occupational safety and health risks more severe for a large share of the global working population” (Kjellstrom et al., 2009; Flouris et al., 2018) Working on a Warmer Planet: The Impact of Heat Stress on Labour Productivity and Decent Work, International Labour Organization, 1919-2019.
“According to the IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report, mean annual temperature has increased over the past century in most of North America. Observations also point to an increase in the frequency of extreme heat events across the United States. Climate projections indicate that the mean annual temperature in North America will continue to increase during the twenty-first century. The largest increases are expected to occur in the high latitudes of the United States and Canada, and also in much of eastern Canada. Under the business-as-usual scenario (the RCP8.5 climate change pathway), temperature increases would even exceed 6°C in the late twenty-first century. The Fifth Assessment Report makes it clear that, without increased investment in adaptation measures, hot temperatures and extreme weather events in Canada and the United States will exacerbate the adverse health impacts of climate change (IPCC, 2014b)” The Impact of Heat Stress on Labour Productivity and Decent Work. Working on a Warmer Planet: The Impact of Heat Stress on Labour Productivity and Decent Work, International Labour Organization, 1919-2019.
Your health and safety are important. Temperatures exceeding 39 C, or 102.2 F, can lead to heat stroke or worse becoming lethal. Some workers are more susceptible to heat stress than others, especially older workers. With more older workers on the job, we are likely to see an increase in heat stress vulnerability.
Working in excess heat conditions causes the worker’s productivity to slow down, thus productivity is reduced along with profitability. Moreover, those working under heat stress are more likely to suffer fatigue, have poorer judgement, and make mistakes on the job. This can be costly.
The Tennessee Chill box Respirator Systems not only supply Air conditioned Air to workers in the warmer months, it allows workers to have continuous fresh air during the cooler months. With 92-100 cfm’s of fresh, clean, breathable air, workers will know they are safer and more comfortable while on the job. Available with 2 hose systems, (TCB and Niosh attachments) and the new HEPA filters!
Serving a wide variety of Industries. Give us a call! We enjoy educating and speaking with our customers. Now with new Mask breathing lines and the Cool Breeze Dual Air line for Suits. Keep your BODY as Cool as your HEAD!
