Rod Harvey

Session Objectives:

1. Understand the concepts of heat stress acclimatization and why it is important to occupation exposure to heat.
2. Understand the acclimatization schedule included in the proposed OSHA standard for heat stress.
3. Understand the outcome of the study to assess the effectiveness of the OSHA acclimatization schedule.

Topic:

Studies have shown that the risk of occupational heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, is increased on the first day and first week of heat exposure. The proposed OSHA Standard for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention includes a prescribed acclimatization schedule. This study examined the physiological responses of volunteers exposed to heat stress following the OSHA protocol. The physiological parameters measured were core body temperature and heart rate. Data were analyzed to determine any change in core body temperature and heart rate over two hours of exposure to heat stress after following the acclimatization schedule.