A Beta launch is an early release of a product to a group of users with the intended purpose of testing and providing feedback. In our case, this is an OPEN Beta in the sense that the link and tool itself are not restricted to individual users, but rather accessible to all who have access to the Google Play app store or the iOS app link.

We recommend anyone who fits the expected user criteria of an outdoor worker or the supervisor of outdoor workers test the app and provide feedback. AIHA's goal over the course of the Beta run is to continue making improvements, layer in new functionality, and resolve errors that may be reported to our team. Testers can expect to be notified whenever new functionality is deployed, or if there are any service outages due to our ongoing maintenance.

The primary goal of the Beta Launch is to gather feedback on the app experience through the lens of our expected users. This does not mean your feedback is not useful if you do not fill one of our two expected user roles. However, we ask that you do your best to put yourself in these user's shoes as you think through the app experience to inform your feedback.

To streamline the feedback capture process, we have put together the following Google Form to capture your feedback. This form is entirely anonymous, does not require a Google account to access, and is intended to be the primary outlet by which we capture and review feedback.

NOTE: WE PREFER TO RECEIVE ALL FEEDBACK THROUGH THIS FORM. If you are an Apple user, you may see a feedback function as part of TestFlight; however, considering that there is not a comparable function in Android, we would prefer if all feedback came in through our Google Form to standardize our information funnel.

We are looking for your input in four distinct categories:

1. Generic Feedback: You feedback after using the app for the first time. We want to hear your initial impressions of the experience without prolonged use. We would greatly appreciate it if you would make a submission for generic feedback within the first few days of accessing the app; however, if there is something in the future you would like to alert us to that does not seem to fit the other categories, this is the place to do it.
2. Defect Reporting: Please report any defects you experience when testing the application. These can be bugs, errors, or any other technical difficulties that make the app experience less enjoyable. Please note our known defect section below for more information.
3. Enhancement Requests: Any and all recommendations to enhance the existing app functions.
4. Feature Requests: Net new functionality you believe will add to the value given to our users.

We review feedback daily, and while we cannot guarantee all feedback will be addressed or prioritized, we can guarantee all of it will be reviewed.

Typically, app developers launch Beta tests when core app functionality is complete while still rooting out defects that arise as a normal part of app development. That said, we have a known deficiency at the start of our Beta test that is worth noting:

• We are currently experiencing some issues with the Locations Service leading to an inability to search for specific cities in Asia and Africa. Please submit a defect in our feedback form if you run into any issues finding a particular location as this will help our conversations with the Locations Services provider.

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 Beta of the Heat Stress Application on Android please click ANDROID APP DOWNLOAD LINK.

To access the Beta of the Heat Stress Application on iPhone please click 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.

FACT – While outdoor heat is a key contributor to heat-related illnesses, any environment can produce heat stress. Indoor workplaces with poor ventilation can pose a problem for workers, high physical exertion, as well as heat stressors on the job such as high physical exertion, limited rest breaks, and productivity or economic incentives that do not allow workers to work at their own pace). In fact, you do not need to be in a high ambient temperature to experience heat stroke.

FACT – Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can contribute to heat stress in workers. For example, first responders, such as firefighters, may be more exposed to heat stress during non-firefighting activities by performing work in heavy, insulating gear.

FACT – Exertional heat stroke is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical attention, and OEHS experts warn that having “dry, hot skin” is not a symptom of exertional heat stroke. Workers who succumb to exertional heat stroke are performing physical work during time of collapse and will present with sweating. The symptom of “dry, hot skin” occurs in a different form of heat stroke known as classical heat stroke, which occurs in the absence of any physical exertion and commonly occurs during heatwaves in the elderly and very young (infants) who are unable to regulate their body temperature properly.

FACT – Heat-related illnesses do not act on a continuum. In other words, workers will not experience heat syncope or heat exhaustion symptoms prior to succumbing to heat stroke. An exertional heat stroke can occur without the presentation of signs or symptoms of other heat-related illnesses.

FACT – While heat-related illnesses can strike people of all ages, the very old and the very young are most susceptible to heat stress.

FACT – While staying hydrated is important in preventing heat stress-related illnesses, it is not the most important strategy. Heat-related illnesses are driven by increases in core body temperature and other heat stress prevention strategies such as work to rest ratios, activity modifications dictated by environmental conditions, and heat acclimatization are often more effective and will prevent continuous rise of core body temperature or even result in a reduction of core body temperature. The most effective strategy is to include multiple heat stress prevention strategies such as hydration, activity modification, body cooling, and heat acclimatization to reduce rise of core body temperature.

Older workers are the most susceptible to heat stress, but young children are also at greatest risk for heat-related illness. In addition, very highly motivated young workers (i.e., those workers who power through their work without taking rest or water breaks in workplace situations described above) are also at risk. Workers are also at greater risk if they are:

• Physically inactive
• Unacclimatized to work in the heat
• Suffering from medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity
• Pregnant
• Taking medications associated with poor core body temperature regulation
• Recovering from or experiencing an illness (i.e., respiratory infection)

There is no one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to staying hydrated. Fluid needs are personal from one individual to another based on a person’s sweat rate, the amount of strenuous activity, and strain. A good rule of thumb is to drink water or drinks with electrolytes regularly when performing strenuous work in hot environments, and especially when you are feeling thirsty.

Yes, OEHS expert volunteers of the AIHA’s Thermal Stress Working Group are creating a free Heat Stress Mobile App that functions as a resource for heat stress by educating and alerting employees and employers of heat stress, strain, and the best solutions to address heat in an occupational setting. The new app, which will be available for download in June 2024, will include multiple functionalities:

• Heat Index and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)
• Timers
• Symptoms
• First Aid
• Risk Factors
• More Tips
• FAQs
• Feedback & Contact Us

This new app is not a replacement for the OSHA app and is not affiliated with OSHA.

AIHA recommends that all employers evaluate the heat stress risks in their workplaces and share evidence-based strategies for minimizing these risks with all employees. If your employer does not have heat stress protocols in place, you can download the AIHA’s free Heat Stress Mobile App to assess your daily heat stress risks and share this resource – and this website content – with your supervisor or human resources manager.

AIHA is the association for scientists and professionals committed to preserving and ensuring occupational and environmental health and safety in the workplace and community.