Heat Stress and How to Avoid It in the Warehouse.
When it’s over 100 degrees outside, you can bet that the temperatures are much higher inside a warehouse or distribution center. That’s why it’s vital that fulfillment centers, warehouses, and 3rd party logistics providers understand the dangers of heat stress and take the proper steps to avoid it. What is Heat Stress? Heat-related stress can cause any number of health issues. Even worse, it can be deadly. The CDC completed a 10-year study on heat-related illnesses in the U.S., finding that there was an average of 618 deaths per year. During one extreme heatwave in 2012, OSHA recorded over 4,100 heat-related worker illnesses. When the human body is exposed to high temperatures, its internal temperature rises. If steps aren’t taken to lower body temperature, a worker can suffer from one of four different types of heat stress: Heat Cramps: Heat cramps are muscle spasms that occur due to low levels of water and salt in the body. Even if a worker has been hydrating, it...