Beat the Heat: Solutions for Heat Exposure
Construction workers are among the many workers who are exposed to extreme heat in the workplace, and the impact is staggering. The risks of heat stress and heat-related illness increase with the intensity of work, humidity, and ambient temperatures, resulting in reduced productivity and safety. Alarmingly, the effects of climate change are expected to increase the incidence of heat-related illnesses, putting workers at even greater risk. That’s right, climbing temperatures are adding to this issue.
Heat stress is a serious problem for workers who must work in hot, humid conditions, such as those encountered in construction work. According to a 2015 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 96% of surveyed Indian employees in construction, transport, metal fabrication, and other sectors reported that their health was affected by occupational heat stress, with more than half (57%) experiencing productivity losses. Heat stress may also result in sickness or injury, with heat stroke being the most severe heat-related illness, which can cause death if not treated early. The incidence of heat-related illness is expected to rise due to climate change, especially for workers in outdoor occupations with high workloads.
To mitigate the risks of heat stress, various cooling technologies have been developed over the years. Wet cooling systems have long been used to provide added head and neck protection for workers against heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. However, traditional systems are not 100% dry, which creates potential discomfort for the wearer and risks of contamination. Evaporative wet cooling is also less effective in high-humidity environments, leading to shorter cooling lifecycles. Furthermore, wet cooling systems are generally poorly compatible with certain types of PPE, reducing their effectiveness.
To address these challenges, Centurion partnered with Inuteq to develop the KALIS Dry Cooling Pad, which works in conjunction with the Concept Helmet to provide a comfortable, durable, and anti-bacterial system to keep workers cool and dry for longer periods.
The KALIS Dry Cooling Pad uses water held in the pad between two layers of material to keep workers 100% dry and up to 15°C cooler than ambient temperatures. The pad cools the user by allowing water to escape through porous material and evaporate. It’s an innovative process that provides maximum cooling for up to three days, up to four times longer than wet cooling technologies. This technology is a heat sink activated by water’s tendency to evaporate with heat and can be refilled for free.
The Concept Helmet, manufactured from high-quality, strong ABS material, is 20% lighter than most other helmets, providing high safety with low weight. The unique design provides an extended nape for increased neck protection for extended periods of use.
This combination of the KALIS Dry Cooling Pad and Concept Helmet is the perfect solution for workers who need to stay cool and dry on the job. By using this revolutionary system, workers can be more productive and safer while working in sweat-inducing conditions. In fact, a study by Loughborough University found that the use of cooling vests and helmets resulted in a 14% increase in productivity and a 40% reduction in heat stress.
Protecting workers from heat exposure is a critical concern for any construction site. The KALIS Dry Cooling Pad and the Concept Helmet provide an effective and innovative system to address this challenge, increasing worker productivity and safety.
To beat the heat and learn more about Centurion’s heat protection products, contact your local Service Centre!
