Reprinted from the ACJ - August, 1996
When the heat and humidity make it great for business, they also can make it tough to work.
It may seem like an inferno in the shop sometimes. Most veterans know how to survive and even flourish in tough working conditions. Is it because they are used to it? Maybe, but in most cases a veteran will know how to modify his or her work habits to best meet the physical demands of a hot summer.
Although it may seem hotter than Hades, we have the opportunity to combat the heat and its effects on our health.
Behavior modification
Let's take a look at some examples of hot weather behavior modification. In the dog days of summer, a shop owner can monitor the weather reports and issue daily warnings to the employees if necessary. Anything from "It's going to be hot, so take it easy," to requiring water breaks and cool down periods are good ideas.
OSHA has established threshold limits for work in hot environments. Although the regulations may not apply to all sizes of businesses, the underlying reasons will. Based on air temperatures, the agency has set up work/rest intervals. They specify frequent breaks (25 percent of time working) for moderate work levels in temperatures greater than 82º F.
1.6 quarts per hour
It is a fact that a hard working bench person can lose up to 1.6 quarts of water per hour through sweating. Frequent intake of water or cool drinks is a must. Sports drinks are an excellent source of water and minerals lost through sweating.
Monitoring yourself and co-workers for signs of heat stress such as pale skin or lack of sweat can help avoid a problem.
Schedule intelligently
Another method to avoid heat related problems is to try and complete especially strenuous work on cooler days or at least during the cooler morning hours. It is not uncommon for businesses to alter shop working hours to take advantage of cooler periods.
Fans and blowers to move fresh air and provide some cooling in the shop are an excellent addition in the summer. However care should be taken not to allow fans to interfere with exhaust ventilation patterns. Fans could also kick up dust.
The great outdoors
Some shops, especially in the sunny South, do a lot of their work outdoors. There they get the benefit of the breeze, but also have to deal with the sun. Wear a hat and loose fitting cotton clothing (a good idea inside as well).
Sunscreen is imperative for your face and forearms. Remember to lotion your bald spot if you are not wearing a hat. Most years, the slow onset of summer's heat allows us to become accustomed to the sweltering temperatures. But consider breaking in new guys slowly during the summer months to get them acclimatized without overheating.
As a manager or shop owner, you must remain observant of everybody in the backshop. Watch for folks having trouble with the heat. Workers feeling dizzy or nauseous, having a lack of energy, or who have stopped sweating may be heading toward heat exhaustion.
Removing them to a cool room to rest and drink fluids may seem like a loss of productivity, but full blown heat stroke can result in several sick days to recuperate. That is a definite loss of productivity, possibly resulting in higher workman's compensation rates.
Breaks and beverages
Be flexible in allowing breaks. Allowing extra break time and/or providing cool beverages during hot spells can help to keep folks functioning normally. Heat stress can cause inattention or careless behavior, resulting in accidents or rework. So a little inconvenience can avoid substandard work.
The sweltering days of summer may make it seem like an oven in the shop, but it is an industry fact of life with the heat comes the business. Foremost, we must be aware of the heat and to take measures to modify our behaviors to deal with it.
The above article was written by David M. Brown, Chief Engineer of Johnson Manufacturing Company, Inc. and is published by JOHNSON with the expressed approval of the National Automotive Radiator Service Association and the Automotive Cooling Journal. Other reproduction or distribution of this information is forbidden without the written consent of JOHNSON and NARSA/ACJ. All rights reserved.
JOHNSON MANUFACTURING COMPANY
114 Lost Grove Road / PO Box 96 / Princeton, Iowa 52768-0096
Phone 563-289-5123 or Fax 563-289-3825