As the weather continues to warm up, many employees are already feeling the heat in the workplace, particularly when it comes to warehouses and manufacturing floors.  Some particularly high profile companies have been in the news in recent years because of employee heat exhaustion.  Cameras covered the Amazon warehouse facility where workers were being treated in ambulances in the parking lot for heat exhaustion.  Part of the problem is that large facilities can be very difficult to air condition economically, leaving businesses to figure out how to handle the situation.

So how can you beat the heat?  Here are some top tips from industrial experts.

Make work schedule changes as appropriate.  Shifts may need to be changed to accommodate temperatures (such as rescheduling nonessential outdoor activities).  Providing more frequent rest breaks, particularly during the first week or so of higher temperatures, can help workers acclimate.

Think about upgrading equipment.  While the machines you’ve used for decades may be getting the job done, chances are high they aren’t the most efficient things on the factory floor, both in terms of energy used and energy put out.  In fact, you could be increasing the temperature inside of an already overheated building through the use of old mixing tubs and less innovative equipment.  Quality equipment can not only reduce the amount of energy you use, but can help keep energy waste low and from heating up your factory floor.

Because of issues like the warehouse owned by Amazon, OSHA has made heat protection an enforcement priority, and they regularly assess penalties for heat danger.  Why not demonstrate your commitment to worker safety and get the jump on the heat by revamping your approach to work during summer conditions – and by contacting Komax to see how you can upgrade your equipment to not only provide more efficient, cost effective production, but avoid health hazards like excess heat, vibration and noise.