Environmental Testing Laboratory

Cinnaminson, NJ, August 3^rd, 2021

Temperatures in the months of July and August are typically the hottest of the year for millions of workers in outdoor occupations. However, for others, exposure to sweltering temperatures could be year-long even when working indoors. Some of these hot indoor occupations could be due to poor ventilation or a lack of air conditioning, regular contact with heated objects, or radiant heat sources, or due to physical activities and personal protective equipment that are part of the job.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Heat stress can result in heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease, or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat.

NIOSH provides recommendations for employers to reduce workplace heat stress by implementing engineering and work practice controls; training workers; ensuring workers are acclimatized before they work in a hot environment; providing the means for appropriate hydration; and ensuring and encouraging workers to take appropriate rest breaks to cool down and hydrate.

“According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), millions of U.S. workers are exposed to heat in the workplace,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The agency goes on to state that although illness from exposure to heat is preventable, every year, thousands become sick from occupational heat exposure, and some cases are fatal. By law, employers are required to provide a safe work environment. Therefore, EMSL offers a wide range of field testing and monitoring devices to provide real-time and data logging capabilities for temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions. These include hygrometers, psychrometers, thermo-anemometers, infrared cameras, and thermometers, plus other advanced instrumentation.”

EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about heat stress and the work environment that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/25NUviXBpTc.

To learn more about tools to help detect environmental conditions that could cause heat stress, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.