Like every summer, we wish to draw your attention to the risks related to working in hot weather. We invite you, in particular, to visit the website of the French National Institute for Research and Security (Institut national de recherche et de sécurité (INRS)), on which the article entitled “Working in the summer heat” (Travailler par de fortes chaleurs en été)” (only in French) can be consulted by everyone concerned with work in heat.

Exceptionally hot climatic conditions can be the cause of heat-related occupational accidents, some of which may be fatal. The site describes the reactions of the body when exposed to extreme heat and it provides guidance on the evaluation of the risks related to working in a hot environment. Several practical preventive measures are proposed concerning work organization, basic hygiene, behavioural, technical installations.

Contents include:

• General information.
• Risk assessment.
• Recommendations and preventive measures.
• Thermal comfort: Some concepts.
• Bibliographic references.

Reminder:

See also the CIS News items of July-August 2006 and of June 2007 for a list of resources on the protection of workers against heat-related hazards.