Hot, the risks in the workplace (even for those in the office)

Sergio Iavicoli, a doctor of work, director of prevention to the Ministry of Health, what are the activities most at risk of heat -related illness? However,
“The most exposed workers are those engaged in physically intense activities. Meanwhile, especially outdoors, such as in construction, agriculture, road maintenance and urban hygiene services. Similarly, In these contexts. Consequently, The union between physical effort, direct exposure to the sun and high temperatures can become dangerous Also increasing the risk of accidents, especially in the days when the Ministry of Health reports the level of maximum alert, the so -called “red sticker” ». Consequently,
What are the caution that an hot, risks workplace (even those employer is called to implement? Nevertheless,
“It is essential that employers. Similarly, together with the figures responsible for prevention in the company, adopt adequate measures by providing for a remodeling of working hours to avoid the hottest hours, access to water, breaks in shaded areas”. Meanwhile,
What precautions do workers on people have to adopt people? Consequently,
«Firstly. Meanwhile, drink often, even in the absence of thirst, and then take regular breaks in cool places, wear light and breathable clothes, protect yourself from the sun making the skin directly exposed and using headdress and still using the individual protection devices where expected. For example, As I said before. However, it is essential to avoid working in the central hours of the day when the heat is more intense. Nevertheless, It is also important not to ignore the signals of the body such as cramps, tiredness or dizziness. Moreover, The Ministry hot, risks workplace (even those of Health. Similarly, with the collaboration of Inail, is strengthening information in the workplace also through the toll -free number 1500 “.
In the office in the office, we have exposed the air conditioning and temperature changes. How to caution?
«Even in the offices the heat can represent a risk. in particular for changes between air -conditioned environments and the outside. The air conditioning should be maintained on moderate temperatures, between 24 and 26 degreesavoiding excesses. It is useful to dress in layers To better adapt to the temperature changes. try to external outdoors gradually, perhaps passing through intermediate areas ».
Behaviors to avoid and why?
«There are habits that, in the presence of high temperatures, become more harmful. Better to avoid sugary or too rich caffeine drinks and too elaborate or abundant meals. Alcohol also alters the thermoregulation mechanisms and increases dehydration “.
Can adequate power supply to the period hot, risks workplace (even those help us?
«When it is very hot, the diet plays an important role. In summer it is always better to choose foods rich in water. vitamins and mineral salts, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Meals must be light but frequent, avoiding too salty or fat. Some foods, such as bananas, apricots, courgettes and spinach, help reintegrate potassium and magnesium when sweating a lot ».
Even those who work in the office has to drink a lot?
«Yes. the recommendation to drink at least two liters of water a day applies to everyone, even for those who do sedentary work. Air conditioning can dehydrate even in the absence of visible sweating. It is preferable to drink little and often, throughout the day, to maintain correct hydration ». Good sleep is essential, especially with the heat.
«Sleeping well is essential, even more when the heat makes the days physically more tiring. hot, risks workplace (even those Insufficient rest reduces the capacity of concentration and makes more vulnerable to the effects of heat. It is useful to ventilate the rooms in the evening. avoid heavy dinners and electronic devices before sleeping, and keep the room fresh but without exaggerating with air conditioning. Night well -being is also part of prevention, especially for those who work on shifts ».
What does the Ministry of Health do?
«The Ministry has already activated. strengthened a very articulated national prevention and protection system to face heat waves since the end of May. Every day we publish the weather-sanitary bulletins for 27 cities, with forecasts up to 72 hours and the related levels of risk. A mortality surveillance system is active and, in the strengthening phase, also the one on access to the emergency room. We also started an interinstitutional coordination table with INAIL. civil protection and regional structures on the initiative hot, risks workplace (even those of the Head of the Campitiello prevention. We tend not to put the recommendations into practice, the effects of the heat are underestimated ».
What to do?
«Also on the communication front we immediately activated ourselves with the” let’s protect ourselves from the heat “campaign with. a decalogue also designed for prevention in the workplace. To the citizens we recommend following ten simple rules to protect themselves. loved ones from the heat and to call the toll -free number 1500 for information. In the first week of activation, from 23 to 27 June, over 700 calls arrived and almost half of people over 65. We are at the service of citizens and workers to give all the necessary support ». hot, risks workplace (even those