Last summer there were several heat alerts – in Athens, for example the temperature reached 40 degrees Celsius, which has led to the closure of a famous tourist attraction – the Acropolis – as several people have been taken ill at the site due to the heat.

Global warming has reached our world, and its effects are already being felt around the world, so employers are also facing the fact of global warming and its potential consequences.

Some workers’ bodies are less able to “cope” with the heat, as some health factors increase the risk further. These include:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Poor physical condition
• Taking certain medications, such as diuretics, blood pressure medications, etc.
• Alcoholic, drugged state

The above list is not exhaustive, as other medical conditions can also affect workers’ reactions to heat. Each person may have a different reaction.

In our factory, most of our employees are in the fortunate position of being able to work in a constant climate. But of course, we must not forget those who work outdoors.

They are subject to specific legislation which provides for a rest period every hour to recover.

In the heat, the body loses a lot of fluid through sweat and evaporation. In addition to fluid loss, there is also a risk of salt loss, the simplest protection against which is to drink mineral water. It is important for everyone to drink enough fluids to avoid the risk of dehydration.

Under liquid we don’t mean:

• alcohol
• high in sugar 
• containing caffeine
• and fizzy drinks

To sum up, in the summer heat, we need to change our habits to help our bodies cope with the increased pressure by eating and drinking enough.

Dóra Laczik Vajtuné

SHE Engineer