With the increasing number of heat waves and droughts, it is better to anticipate the professional risks associated with heat waves. It is on the basis of this principle that the National Institute for Research and Security (INRS) sends a reminder to companies concerning their obligations in terms of protecting their employees.
Construction and public works employees are obviously among the most affected groups throughout the national territory. The thermal amplitude of their working conditions can sometimes be very significant, the authorities insist on prevention. “Beyond 30°C for office activity and 28°C for physical work, heat can constitute a health risk for employees”, recalls the INRS in a press release.
“The main risks for employees are heat stroke and dehydration. Heat stroke is rare but serious: it is fatal in 15 to 25% of cases. Heat can also act as an aggravating factor for pre-existing pathologies”, specifies the institute. And without going to the most serious disorders, stifling heat is enough to make any physical activity more difficult. Omissions and errors are then more frequent and can be the cause of accidents at work.
Adapt the organization of work and the layout of the premises
As a reminder, the employer is responsible for the good working and safety conditions of its employees, so as to preserve their health. All “necessary” and “appropriate” preventive measures must be taken, taking into account the ambient temperature, the tasks or positions affected by thermal variations, as well as the influence of the organization of work and the layout of professional premises on the risks incurred by employees.
“Carried out with the help of staff representatives and the prevention and occupational health service, this risk assessment will be transcribed into the single document (DU or DUERP). The objective is to provide for preventive measures (shaded areas, air conditioning, cold drinks, etc.) to deploy, when the time comes, the appropriate organization of work: modification of schedules, increase in breaks, rotation of staff at the most exposed positions, as well as the organization of emergency services”, further details the INRS.
Fresh water available at all times
The activity of the employees must be adapted according to the intensity of the heat wave. Ideally, they should work during the coolest hours of the day, limit their physical activity and adapt their work rhythm, in particular by increasing the frequency and duration of breaks. Fresh water must also be made available to them at all times. Exposure to the sun should be as short as possible, while teamwork should be favored to allow employees to detect a possible heat stroke in one of their colleagues.
Prevention also involves a prior reminder of the risks associated with the heat wave, and particularly the warning signs of heat stroke, to employees. The institute adds that “the employer should not hesitate to stop work if he considers that his employees are in danger”. Other information is available on the INRS website, and communication media (computer graphics, posters, leaflets, guides, etc.) are also available.
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