Acclimatization Steps

Heat disorders and illnesses are most common in individuals who have not been acclimatized to the temperatures. People who have not been exposed to these types of conditions should be allowed relief from strenuous work until the acclimatization process is complete. Employers should remember that acclimatization can occur naturally for outdoor workers in a hot climate as the weather changes. However, implementing acclimatization activities is essential for new workers, for workers who have been out sick or on vacation, and for all workers during a heat wave.

Acclimatization allows workers to endure longer periods of work with an increased efficiency. Acclimatization lowers the body's heat production, heart rate, core body temperature, and salt loss. Other benefits include increased organ protection, blood flow to the skin, and sweating. Increased thirst is also a side effect. Employees should take the following steps to acclimate to hot environments:

1. Allow up to fourteen days to fully acclimate.
2. Introduce heat exposure for two hours a day.
3. Activity intensity and length of time should be increased gradually.
4. Increase fluid intake by small amounts every fifteen minutes.
5. Wear minimal, lightweight clothing.

These steps the employee should take, but the employer should reinforce the importance of these steps as often as possible to ensure that workers are compliant with heat safety measures.

To learn more about Heat Stress visit our Heat Stress, Illness & Injury Safety Online Training web page.