Managing sensitivity to heat

Many people with disabilities such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, cancer, skin conditions or diabetes can be sensitive to temperature variations.

If a person is experiencing sensitivity to heat within the workplace, when sourcing a solution it is important to first identify the sources of heat. Heat within the workplace generally comes from a combination of air temperature, humidity (moisture in the air), air movement (including wind and ventilation) and radiant heat (coming from sun, machines or surface reflection).

Learning to manage sensitivity to heat at work can ensure people are able to focus fully on their job or task and participate fully in their role within the workplace (Job Accommodation Network 2005; WorkCover NSW 2001).

Workplace solutions and adjustments

There are a number of strategies that can be utilised within the workplace to assist in controlling or modifying the temperature of the work environment or protect the body against heat:

Simple strategies may include:

• close windows and blinds directly around the worksite
• allow for flexible work schedules such as working from home, or attending the workplace only during the cooler times of the day
• provide a workspace for heat sensitive employees in the coolest part of the workplace
• if working outside—provide areas of shade for rest periods and have a task rotation schedule between cooler and hotter tasks to minimise effects of heat
• provide adequate drinking water supply
• provide work vehicles with air conditioning
• organise for more physically demanding tasks to be done during the cooler part of the day
• consider ventilation, insulation and roofing materials of workspace and whether they can be improved.

There are a range of products that allow you to modify the temperature or protect the body against heat:

• air conditioners and fans

Separate temperature controls also allows greater flexibility allowing certain areas of the workplace to have different temperatures, making it possible for many people to have their needs met with regard to temperature.

• temperature controls—separate

There are a range of clothing-related supports specifically designed for hot environments. Some safety vests and protective clothing are also fire retardant and can protect people working in extremely hot temperatures where there is a fire danger.

• gloves—temperature resistant
• fabric—temperature resistant
• safety vests
• protective equipment and clothing
• cooling clothing (lowers the wearers core body temperature)

Environmental control units provide an easy, independent means of operating the various appliances located in the office or workplace to assist people who have sensitivity to warm environments.

• environmental control units

(Job Accommodation Network 2005; WorkCover NSW 2001)

Other job requirements and solutions

• Managing sensitivity to the cold
• Managing sensitivity to light
• Managing sensitivity to noise
• Managing sensitivity to chemicals and odours
  

References

Job Accommodation Network 2005, Managing Temperature Sensitivity within the workplace, JAN e-news, vol. 3, no. 4, West Virginia, viewed 17 August 2007,  http://www.jan.wvu.edu/enews/2005/Enews_V3-I4.htm

WorkCover NSW 2001, Code of Practice: Work in Hot or Cold Environments, WorkCover New South Wales, Sydney, viewed 17 August 2007,  http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/C1DA0158-6214-4F2A-869B-B8A7F9F66086/0/cop_hotcoldinv_309.pdf