Combating heat stress at work: A blueprint for workplace safety

Recently, a heatwave has struck parts of India, warranting attention to the impact of global warming. However, the world grappled with record-breaking temperatures in 2023 too. Aditya Birla Group recognised this growing threat of heat stress for its workforce. In December 2023, the Group launched a comprehensive programme to safeguard its employees from the summer heat and excruciating heat waves.

The silent threat of heat stress and heatwave often starts subtly, with fatigue and lethargy. Left unchecked, these symptoms can escalate to severe health issues. Aditya Birla Group understood the urgency of prevention and stepped into action.

Understanding the Enemy: Heat Stress

Heat stress is a complex issue influenced by various factors. While high temperatures, humidity, and sun exposure play a role, workload, clothing, and personal health also contribute. The programme addressed these elements with a three-pronged approach.

Step 1: Identifying the Risks

The first step involved a qualitative assessment. Experts evaluated workplaces for sun exposure, hot surfaces, and physical exertion levels. They ensured easy access to water, proper clothing options, and cool rest areas. This initial evaluation identified potential heat stress zones across various Group sites.

Step 2: Deep Dive with Technology

For a more precise analysis, the programme utilised advanced Thermal Work Limit (TWL) equipment. This technology measures heat stress in places that have been identified as high-risk areas. By considering temperature, humidity, and metabolic rate, TWL categorised workplaces into– high, moderate, and low risk zones.

Step 3: Protecting the Most Vulnerable

Physiological monitoring was conducted to identify employees most susceptible to heat stress. This allowed for targeted interventions, such as transferring high-risk individuals to cooler areas or providing them with additional care.

Building a Culture of Awareness

The programme's success hinged on a strong foundation of employee education. In 2024, a series of informative emails were disseminated along with training sessions. From senior management and doctors to frontline employees, everyone received training on heat stress management and identification.

Rolling Out the Programme: Protecting Thousands

The programme's rollout was methodical. Qualitative assessments were conducted at 56 sites including Cement, Hindalco, Pulp & Fibre, Chemicals, and Textiles, covering 1732 workplaces and identifying 418 high-risk areas. Here, solutions were swiftly implemented – providing cool drinking water, rest areas, and adjusted work schedules. Quantitative assessment with TWL equipment at 10 selected sites provided even deeper insights into 254 workplaces. This enabled focused control measures in 48 critical zones. Finally, physiological monitoring identified high-risk individuals among 711 employees at 34 sites. These employees were given special attention or reassigned to cooler areas during peak summer months.

Based on the assessments, further measures were implemented:

• Improved ventilation in high-risk areas
• Readily available drinking water and cooling solutions
• Adjusted work schedules to avoid peak heat hours
• Designated cool rest areas
• Buddy system for monitoring heat stress symptoms
• Reflective barriers to reduce heat radiation

Creating Safer Workplace

Through these proactive measures, Aditya Birla Group is committed to creating a safe and healthy work environment for its employees. As global temperatures rise, at Aditya Birla Group, the Heat Stress Management programme serves as a model for prioritising worker well-being.