What Is the AIHA Heat Stress Application?

The AIHA Heat Stress application is a mobile app (iPhone and Android) developed through a partnership by AIHA and East Carolina University intended for use in preventing heat related illnesses through recommended health measures for two specific user types. It is currently available for free download in the Google Play Android App store and Apple App store.

Our target users are:
1. Outdoor workers
2. Managers of outdoor workers

    The key technical differentiator for this application is its focus on an adjusted Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) calculation to inform risk and provided needed action steps. The WBGT calculation algorithm is the core mechanism powering our app's various functions.

    To understand the importance WBGT and its use in monitoring heat stress, we recommend reading Joseph G. Allen's recent Washington Post editorial, "We need to change the way we think about outdoor temperatures. The public should adopt the 'wet-bulb globe temperature.'"

    Learn More About AIHA's Heat Stress App

    Follow the link relevant to your phone’s operating system below. Note that wherever a user is in the world, this link should open up their respective app store

    To access the Heat Stress Application on Android:
    ANDROID APP DOWNLOAD LINK

    To access the Heat Stress Application on Apple iPhone:
    APPLE APP DOWNLOAD LINK

    *PLEASE NOTE: For Apple/iOS users: Anyone previously part of the open beta through iOS will need to redownload the app store variant to avoid the 90 Day Testflight expiration and to continue to receive the ongoing updates that we will be rolling out over time. Upon download, the test flight variant is automatically replaced with the app store version and will behave like all other applications a user has on their phone.

    Heat Stress App Release Notes

    Update: Version 1.1.0 has launched!

    Thank you to everyone who participated in our Open Beta phase. The following updates were made:

    New Features

    • Heat Alerts will now notify you of high and extreme risk in your current location.
    • You can now pull down to refresh the information on the location list screen.
    • Use an improved swipe gesture to delete locations quickly.

    Improvements

    • Compact view configuration is now saved for future sessions.
    • The workload, clothing, and cloud coverage components now close when you select a new option.
    • The "update your settings" pop-up is now less intrusive.
    • Clothing terminology in French, Spanish and Portuguese is now simplified.
    • An error causing multiple instances of the same location is fixed.
    Update: Version 1.1.1 changelog

    Improvements

    Updated the WBGT information screen with detailed explanations of how the index is calculated.

    AIHA Heat Stress - Version 1.2.0 Changelog
    • Improved Location Search: Finding locations is now easier with more search results, even if they’re not an exact match.
    • Feedback Request: We’d love to hear from you! A new pop-up makes it simple to share your thoughts and help us improve.
    • Clearer Location Names: Your current location will now always display the city or district name for better clarity.
    • Enhanced Forecast View: The first hour of today’s forecast now shows "Now" to keep you updated in real-time.
    • Manual Location Sorting: You can now manually sort your saved locations for a more personalized experience.
    • Detailed WBGT Index: The selected workload, clothing, and cloud coverage are now displayed above the WBGT index, giving you more context at a glance.
    • Misc: bug fixes and improvements
    Update: Version 1.2.2 patch

    Bugfix

    Developers resolved bug that would not allow the app to work on devices with unsupported languages.

    Update: Version 1.3.0 Change Log

    1.3.0 Change Log

    • You can choose different workloads, clothing & cloud coverage for each location (your selection used to be app-wide and could not be customized).
    • A new article “Precautionary Measures” has been added to the resources. (thanks, Tim Paz!)
    • The clothing options names are now the same app-wide and examples were added under each option.
    • The health recommendations under the location details have been reworked to match each situation better. (the more practical tips now appear on the location screen, and do not require any click-throughs)
    • You can save the same location more than once but will be reminded to use the rename location feature when you do so.
    • The search location placeholder was updated to show that you can search for locations or addresses, not only cities.
    • A new splash screen will be displayed when the app takes too long to load on lower-end devices.
    • A “New version available” screen will appear when an update is required.
    • We’re adding the feedback request popup again after fixing its frequency.
    • Multiple copy updates to the following sections:
      • Resources - Sun Exposure
      • Resources - Control Measures
      • Resources - Clothing Adjustment Factor (reflect updates provided by Jo Anne and Tim)
      • About the app
    • Multiple bug fixes.
    • Multiple UI & UX fixes.

    While every worker’s personal risk is different, the common denominator for all workers is that heat stress can strike nearly anyone in outdoor – and indoor – environments. Knowing the early warning signs of heat-related illness and ways to prevent it are important to staying safe and healthy no matter where you work.

    Are You at Risk for Heat Stress Health Risks on the Job?

    Nearly any workplace can present heat stress health risks for workers. Some workplace situations are obvious, such as a construction worker building homes in the sweltering summer heat; other workplaces are not as obvious, such as factories with poor ventilation that create a potentially hazardous situation. Occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) experts have identified the following industries as examples of work environments that pose the greatest heat stress risks for workers:

    • Agriculture
    • Construction
    • Oil & Gas
    • First responders/firefighters
    • Utility companies
    • Manufacturing plants
    • Postal workers (Most OSHA-reported severe injuries)

    It is also important to recognize the most common misconceptions about heat stress to fully understand your personal risk.

    How to Protect Yourself From Heat Stress on the Job

    Heat Stress at Work

    Research has shown that in the United States alone, more than 700 heat-related fatalities occur on average per year, making exposure from environmental heat sources the country’s leading cause of weather-related deaths. Another analysis of the top causes of exertional injuries and fatalities examining OSHA data among laborers in the U.S. found that heat-related injuries accounted for 91.9% of the exertional injuries reported in OSHA’s Severe Injury Report database from 2015-2020.

    So how can you protect yourself from heat stress on the job? OEHS experts offer these evidence-based tips:

    • Hydrate
    • Seek shade
    • Rest with adequate breaks
    • Use body cooling products
    • Follow company-based guidelines
    • Utilize environmental monitoring tools
    • Self-pacing during work
    • Slowly acclimatize to work environment in the heat

    Understand Your Company’s Written Heat Stress Management Plan/Emergency Action Plan for Exertional Heat Stroke – and Practice It

    Your worksite should have a comprehensive heat stress management plan to prevent heat-related illnesses and improve worker productivity. It is important for you to know, and to practice, the written policies and procedures. Examples of strategies in a heat stress management plan would include environmental monitoring (Wet bulb globe temperature), seeking shade, activity modifications or work-to-rest ratios, and body cooling accessibility. We know that not all prevention plans are fail-proof, and it is important to be aware of what to do if someone suffers from a heat illness. Make sure to understand your emergency procedures and know what your role would be in the event of a heat-related emergency.

    Pace Yourself and Acclimate to Your Work Environment

    Signs of Heat STress

    Those who are working at higher physical workloads for prolonged periods of time are more susceptible to heat-related injuries and illnesses. It is important to pace yourself to ensure you take adequate rest breaks during your work shift. If you are new or returning from a prolonged work absence (at least 2 weeks), you should slowly and progressively adapt to your work environment again. This will allow you to achieve adaptations that will help you tolerate working in the heat. This process is called heat acclimation or heat acclimatization.

    Know Your Personal Risk Factors

    There are multiple personal risk factors that can increase your risk of heat-related injuries or illnesses. Some examples include:

    • Sedentary Lifestyle (no physical fitness level)
    • Previous heat illness
    • Type 1 and 2 Diabetes 
    • Hypertension
    • Heart Disease
    • Kidney Disease
    • Older Age
    • Dehydration
    • Medications that affect thermoregulation, central nervous system function, sodium balance
    • Obesity
    • Poor sleep quantity and quality
    • Illness (i.e., respiratory, infection, etc.)

    If you arrive at work with the following symptoms or conditions, you are at greater risk of heat-related illness:

    • Dehydration
    • Lack of sleep
    • Fatigue or lack of recovery from previous day
    • Gastrointestinal discomfort
    • Not recently eaten
    • Psychological stress

    Know Your Fluid Needs

    Heat Stress and Fluids

    Everyone’s fluid needs are unique and dependent on individual characteristics (i.e., sweat rate, physical work intensity, work duration, and fluid accessibility).

    An easy way to understand your fluid needs would be by calculating your sweat rate. Severe changes in hydration can be calculated by the difference in pre- and post-physical activity body weight. For example, if a worker steps on the scale before the work shift and steps on the scale again following the work shift (or break), he or she will be able to calculate how many kilograms of body water was lost due to sweating. They should step on the scale immediately following activity as fluid intake and urine/fecal losses will alter this measure. One kilogram of body weight lost (or gained) equates to one liter of fluid. The greater the difference between pre- and post-values, the greater the level of dehydration. The level of dehydration can be described as a percent of the pre-body weight value (percent of body weight lost = pre-weight/post-weight).

    Example of Body Weight Loss Calculations

    72.90 kg before first rest break
    71.80 kg after first rest break

    72.90-71.80kg= 1.1kg = 1.1 liters lost
    72.90/71.80kg = 1.01% body weight lost

    Pound (lbs.) to kilogram (kg) conversion: 1 lb./2.2 kg = X kg

    Remember, this information will only tell you what fluids you’ve lost during work and need to be replaced. It will NOT tell you your current hydration status.

    Here are simple ways to determine your hydration status:

    1. Assess your urine color

    Pale yellow or “straw-colored” urine typically indicates that you are adequately hydrated. The darker the urine, the more at risk you are for dehydration.

    How to Use a Urine Color Chart
    (www.hydrationcheck.com)

    ScoresIndication
    1,2,3Well hydrated
    4Normally hydrated or slightly dehydrated
    5,6You are dehydrated
    7,8You are extremely dehydrated


    2. Assess your Urine Output

    More urine is typically produced when adequately hydrated and less urine is produced when dehydrated. Therefore, a reduction in daily urine frequency (how often you urinate) may be an indicator of dehydration. Urinating five times in a 24-hour period typically indicates you are adequately hydrated.

    3. Pay Attention to Thirst

    When in a dehydrated state and body water content is low, fluid regulatory mechanisms in the body will initiate sensation of thirst as a signal to consume more fluids. If you are thirsty, you are ALREADY dehydrated! It is important to note that the absence of thirst does not indicate the absence of dehydration.

    Know the Signs and Symptoms of Exertional Heat Stroke

    External Heat Stress

    Exertional heat stroke is a serious medical condition caused by overheating of the body that requires immediate medical attention. OEHS experts share the following symptoms that are warning signs of exertional heat stroke:

    • Body temperature of 104° or higher
    • Confusion, agitation, irritability, disorientation, delirium
    • Slurred speech or staggering
    • Seizures, coma
    • Sweaty skin or dry, hot skin
    • Headache
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • Nausea and/or vomiting
    • Muscle weakness or cramps

    When to Seek Help

    Studies show that more than 700 heat-related fatalities occur on average every year in the U.S., making environmental heat exposure the leading cause of deaths due to weather. That’s why it’s important to seek help if you or a co-worker experience any of the symptoms of exertional heat illness.

    Recognition and Treatment of Heat-Related Illnesses

    Heat Syncope

    • Fainting episode, normal body temperatures
    • Signs and Symptoms: dizziness, weakness, tunnel vision, decreased or weak pulse, pale or sweaty skin, loss of consciousness
    • Treatment: move patient to shade, sit or lie down patient when symptoms occur, monitor vital signs, elevate legs to promote blood returning to heart, rehydrate

    Exercise-induced Muscle Cramps

    • Painful, involuntary muscle spasms (usually occurring in legs) in the heat
    • Prevention/Treatment: adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement, stretching of the muscle, rest

    Exertional Heat Exhaustion (MOST COMMON)

    • Signs and Symptoms: fatigue, nausea, fainting, weakness, vomiting, dizziness, pale, chills, diarrhea, irritability, headache, decreased muscle coordination
    • Core temperature: usually between 102°-105°F
    • Treatment: move to shaded area, cool patient (ice bags, ice towels, cooling vests, etc.), remove excess clothing, elevate legs to promote venous return, provide fluids and rehydrate

    Exertional Heat Stroke (MEDICAL EMERGENCY)

    The two main diagnostic criteria for EHS are:

    • Core temperature greater than 104°-105°F (or 40°-40.5°C)
    • Central nervous system dysfunction (altered consciousness)

    If someone exhibits signs of exertional heat stroke, this is a medical emergency and medical professionals should be contacted immediately. This can include calling an on-site medical professional and calling 911.

    Treatment: Aggressive, whole-body cooling with Cold Water Immersion (CWI). Until a medical professional is present, the individual must be aggressively cooled with water and ice to reduce their core body temperature. If core body temperature is NOT down to normal values within 30 minutes, they are at significant risk of long-term or permanent complications or death.

    How to Talk to Your Employer About Heat Stress

    Limiting heat stress in the workplace is beneficial not only to employees, but employers as well. Numerous studies show that productivity suffers when workers’ health is compromised by heat stress. If you feel that your working conditions are contributing to experiencing heat stress on the job, please talk to your supervisor about your concerns. Research confirms that implementing sound heat stress prevention strategies can both safeguard employee health and improve productivity:

    • Studies estimated that when workers were performing work under the shade, there were 6- and 10-fold (respectively) increases in productivity.
    • One study found that moving a working shift 2 hours earlier to avoid heat stress reduced costs by 33%.
    • One multi-country study showed that workers picked 63% more crop when provided a heat stress prevention strategy (use of mechanical cart) compared to “business as usual”.