Kim Douglas Warner, 44, died from heat stroke in Barrie, Ontario during a 12-hour day shift at a Weston Bakeries plant in temperatures estimated at 49º Celsius.In 2001, a baker died from heat stress in Ontario, Canada.Body temperature rose to a staggering 42.5ºC at time of death
Several football players, both school and professionals have died of heat stress over the past few years.Max Gilpin, a 15-year-old offensive lineman. Gilpin collapsed Aug. 20 while running sprints with the team on a day when the heat index reached 94 degrees.The case could signal a landmark shift in the expectation for how coaches deal with struggling players on a hot day.Gilpin's body temperature was 107 degrees when he reached the hospital and he died three days later from heat stroke. The risks of heat-related diseases to athletes, both young and old, are always present but the warning signs are often hidden.
In 2005 there were 62 potentially preventable deaths of fire fighters that may have been prevented through rehabilitation
If the loss of life is not difficult enough for co-workers and organizations affected, lawsuits have involved millions of dollars.
The term rehabiliation describesproviding rest, rehydration, nourishment, and medical evaluation to fire fighters who are involved in over prolonged periods of heat exposure
Anyone in a supervisory position has the responsibility to care for the health and safety of those they are responsible for. NFPA standards and guidelines suggest that workers and supervisors should be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat stress to protect themselves and those that they supervise.
OSHA “general duty” clause places a duty on employers to take reasonable precautions to protect the health and safety of workers.NFPA Standards require rehabilitationRehab to be provided where required (1500)Is part of tactical level management (1561)Provides a “Recommended Practice” for rehab (1584)
