Stay Safe and Cool: AIHA Unveils Upgraded Heat Stress Mobile App for Indoor Workers – OHS Canada Magazine

The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) has introduced the updated Heat Stress App 2.0. This new version is designed specifically for indoor workers, addressing a need that has been largely overlooked.

Previously, AIHA’s original heat stress app focused on outdoor workers, who face obvious heat risks. However, indoor environments can also pose significant dangers, especially near heat sources like ovens or furnaces. Lawrence D. Sloan, the CEO of AIHA, emphasized that indoor heat stress is often underestimated. He encourages indoor workers and their employers to utilize this app for real-time monitoring of heat-related risks.

The app is free and user-friendly. It lets users select whether they work indoors or outdoors, tailoring the information provided. For indoor workers, it measures key factors, including:

• Indoor temperature
• Humidity levels
• Heat emitted from equipment
• Wind speed
• Workload intensity
• Type of clothing worn

The app uses the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, which is a reliable method to evaluate heat stress. Based on the conditions, it gives alerts and offers health tips, like taking breaks and staying hydrated.

According to AIHA’s experts, indoor spaces like warehouses can accumulate heat due to high ambient temperatures or inadequate ventilation. Common sources of heat stress in these environments include ovens, boilers, and molten materials.

Dr. Jo Anne Balanay, an expert in environmental health, points out the differences in heat stress experiences between indoor and outdoor settings. Indoor workers may lack proper airflow, making it harder to cool down. Outdoor workers might simply need a break in the shade or a breeze to help them recover.

The app was developed by top heat safety professionals from AIHA and East Carolina University. It’s available in four languages: English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. You can download it for free on both iOS and Android.

Recent studies underscore the importance of recognizing heat stress in all work environments. In 2024, heat records were broken globally, marking it as the hottest year on record. As climate change progresses, tools like this app will become increasingly vital for ensuring the safety of workers in various settings.

For more information on heat stress prevention, you can refer to resources provided by the CDC.

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