Heat & Cold Stress in Food Manufacturing

1. When talking about thermal stress related illnesses, it's assumed that these happen outdoors in the elements. However, working indoors in food manufacturing and storage facilities can also cause both heat and cold stress.

2. Being overly tired can cause risks when working in both hot and cold environments. Always make sure you get good rest and take breaks throughout the day to get out of the hot or cold environment.

3. Drink plenty of fluids, specifically water and drinks with electrolytes.

4. When working in warmer indoor environments, wear loose and lighter clothing.

5. Heat from equipment can also make things warm in a closed area. Good ventilation and cooled air in the working area helps with keeping the temperature down.

6. Overexposure to cold temperatures can also be damaging to your health.

7. Dress in layers to stay warm and insulate your body. Your head will lose the most body heat, so wear a warm hat to keep warm.

8. Hands and feet also lose a lot of heat and can get frostbite if exposed. Wear insulated and waterproof gloves and boots.

9. It is best to have antifreeze doors at workplaces. However, if your workplace does not have antifreeze doors, make sure a firefighter's ax is stored in the room.

10. Doors may also lock from the outside. If so, have a plan in place to prevent being locked in to cold storage areas by verbal communication or working in pairs.

11. In what other ways can we prevent heat and cold stress when working today?

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