By Dax Janel Valencia
Cases of occupational heat stress among Black workers can rise faster as temperatures soar due to their disproportionate concentration in outdoor and unconditioned jobs. More Black (than white) people work in strenuous environments with high climate risks, such as construction and agriculture.
Given those risks, Black workers need better protections from heat stress, even more so now that the hot season is lengthening and extreme heat events are on the rise. The Weather Channel even reports that in some areas, summers are now one month longer compared to 1990.
What Is Occupational Heat Stress?
Occupational heat stress refers to the buildup of body heat, the accumulation of which results from a combination of:
- Hot working environments
- Heavy protective clothing
- Strenuous labor or physical activity
The simultaneous presence of all those factors causes the body’s natural cooling system (perspiration through vasodilation and sweat evaporation) to fail.
What Are the Signs of Occupational Heat Stress?
Occupational heat stress can lead to more serious heat-related illnesses (HRIs). As noted by an ABC News article, heat is behind an estimated 70,000 people visiting emergency rooms and 10,000 requiring hospitalization. Throughout 2023 alone, HRIs were behind 119,605 emergency room visits.
Considering the dangers of occupational heat stress, everyone, including Black workers, should never leave it unaddressed and be familiar with its signs and indications instead.
Heat Rash
Heat rash is usually an early sign of occupational heat stress, often appearing as a cluster of small, red, and itchy bumps. In some people, it can manifest as clear but fluid-filled blisters.
Heat Syncope
Often characterized by dizziness or fainting, heat syncope is a result of overheating. It usually occurs after standing still in the heat for prolonged periods.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are a type of HRI that occurs when the body loses too much sodium (salt) due to heavy sweating. Often accompanied by heavy sweating, they include painful cramps or spasms affecting the:
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Legs
Heat Exhaustion
Heat cramps can progress to exhaustion, resulting from even more water and sodium loss through perspiration. Being more dangerous than heat cramps, Black workers must beware the following signs of heat exhaustion:
- Clammy, flushed, or pale skin
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Rapid and shallow breathing
- Vomiting
- Fainting
Why Can Occupational Heat Stress Cases Rise Among Black Workers as Temperatures Soar?
An article on Drugs.com cited a recent research letter that found an increase in HRI hospitalization rates in the United States. It also noted that the highest rates occurred among Black adults.
One reason behind Black Americans’ elevated heat safety risks is that, compared to White Americans, more Black workers are in fields with high climate-related hazards.
The Center for American Progress (CAP), for instance, reports that extreme heat disproportionately affects communities of color. It also notes that the most vulnerable workers, including Black people, face disproportionate exposure to hazardous working conditions, such as extreme heat.
Many from the Black community are outdoor workers, notably at risk of occupational heat stress. Examples include:
- Construction workers
- Farmers
- Firefighters
As the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication points out, there are an estimated 32 million U.S. outdoor workers, and they’re particularly likely to be male and Black or Hispanic/Latino.
How Employers Can Help Protect Black Workers From Occupational Heat Stress
With workers from the Black community facing elevated climate-related job risks, employers must be more proactive in implementing heat stress prevention strategies and safety policies. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved, as workers can stay safe, healthy, and productive.
As for employers, having happy and healthy workers can help:
- Boost the company’s bottom line
- Prevent non-compliance
- Maintain a corporate culture of inclusivity and wellness for everyone
Employers can achieve such goals with the following safety strategies.
Providing Water, Shade, and Rest Areas
Employers should provide workers with easy, constant access to cool, potable water, shade, and climate-controlled rest areas. There should be friendly reminders for hot environment workers to take frequent breaks and refresh themselves with one cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes.
Making Heat Safety Training and Education Accessible
Employers should incorporate heat stress education as part of their employee safety training programs. Such courses educate workers on:
- Recognizing signs and symptoms of heat stress and HRIs
- Reducing risks by knowing the causes of HRIs
- Taking proper care by using heat-protective clothing and equipment
- Acclimatizing and its crucial roles in preventing heat stress and HRIs
- The steps to take at the first sign of heat stress or HRI, including first-aid administration
Enforcing the Buddy System
The buddy system for employees who work outdoors or in hot environments can save lives in cases of emergencies, as partners actively monitor for early signs of heat stress and HRIs. As they look out for each other, co-workers can intervene and call for help ASAP if their buddy gets too hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Deadly Is Occupational Heat Stress?
Per the latest data from the National Safety Council (NSC), in the U.S., environmental heat exposure led to 48 work-related deaths in 2024. It may seem low, but they’re preventable. The NSC also noted that heat events led to 7,100 Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) cases from 2023 to 2024.
What Should You Do if You’re Experiencing Occupational Heat Stress?
If you’re experiencing one or more symptoms of occupational heat stress, immediately stop what you’re doing. You should then move as soon as possible to a cool, shaded area or an air-conditioned room. Let a co-worker or your supervisor know about your condition.
Remove any heavy protective covering or gear you’re wearing. Take small but regular sips of cool water, and apply cold, wet cloths to your skin to bring your body temperature down to normal.
If you feel the need to vomit or think you’re going to pass out, dial 911 or ask your co-worker or supervisor to call emergency services on your behalf.
Black Workers Must Beware Occupational Heat Stress
Occupational heat stress can be deadly for anyone, but Black workers are among those with elevated risks, as many work outdoors or in unconditioned areas. Fortunately, employers can trim these risks down with safety strategies, such as making water, shade, rest, and training more accessible.
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