how body heat effects decision making and safety
DESCRIPTION
Hot & Bothered. Dangerous thinking in hot weather. How body heat effects decision making and safety. A summary of medical, military and science research into the short-term and long-term effects of working in hot environments. A quick sample of data showing what is happening to the brain even when no heat-related illnesses are occurring. High-level observations about decision making and safety risks to healthy workers exposed to hot conditions during work.TRANSCRIPT
Dangerous thinking in hot weather
How body heat effects decision making
and safety.
Presentation by: Pauline Sanders | Director
Red Dirt International Pty LtdPerth WA 6000 Australia
+61 8 6102-7719 OfficeSKYPE reddirtworkwear
www.reddirtworkwear.com.au
Compound safety issues
Repeated heat exposure may
Weaken internal organs
Impact neurological system
Impair reaction time
Increase chances of accidents
During heat exposure
Autonomic nervous reaction causes
Heart rate increases
Blood vessels dilate
Hot, hot and hotter
Aggravating environmental factors
Exhaust, dust and chemicals
Noise and vibration
Heat radiated from machinery
Protective equipment
Heat strain and the brain
Working for extended periods of time in hot conditions may
Impair short term verbal and numeric memory
Increase decision making time
Result in poor decisions
Slow reaction time
Reduce awareness
Think it’s hot?
NASA (National Aeronautics
and Space Administration)
... when air temperature is over 95 degrees, an individual can make 60 mistakes an hour
...
Some (don’t) like it hot...
The Effects of Thermal Strain
on Cognition
By the Combatant Protection and Nutrition Branch Aeronautical and Maritime Research
Laboratory
and Brain Sciences Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Victoria
(Australia, Oct 2000)
Hot brain drain
Body core temperature during test
Hot brain drain
Where activity was measured
Hot brain drain
Intensity of brain activity
during 10 minute task test
Hot brain drain
How rest periodeffects brain
Intermittent dehydration
Compound stress from sweating & changes in hydration effects
Kidneys
Liver
Heart
Digestive system
Nervous system
Sleep problems
Heat exposure may disrupt healthy sleep cycles due to
Repeated changes in electrolyte balance
Recurring nervous system fatigue
Hot and bothered
Staff working in hot conditions may ‘do stupid things’ and ‘have a bad attitude’ because
Short term slowing of brain
Strain on mental processes
Recurring insufficient sleep
Cooling comfort
Reduce safety risks in hot climates by improving thermal comfort
Cooling neck, head and hands
Cooling while working
Recurring retreats to cooler locations throughout shifts
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Source Materials
Would you like the details?
Please contact Red Dirt Workwear for links to sources including medical, military and science research.
- Pauline Sanders, Director
Presentation by: Pauline Sanders | Director
Red Dirt International Pty LtdPerth WA 6000 Australia
+61 8 6102-7719 OfficeSKYPE reddirtworkwear
www.reddirtworkwear.com.au