Heat wave hits Hesse: This is how our workers fight against the extreme temperatures!

Heat wave hits Hesse: This is how our workers fight against the extreme temperatures!

The summer heat has arrived in Hesse and brings with it extreme temperatures that are particularly stressful for professional groups without air conditioning. These days it is becoming a challenge for many people in professions such as roofers, textile cleaners and chefs to continue to do their work under these conditions. Loud hessenschau.de The temperatures are not only suitable for leisure activities, but can also pose health risks.

Roofer Dennis Müller speaks of acute dangers caused by the materials in the form of heat strokes and burns. He has adjusted to working early and takes regular fifteen-minute breaks in the shade. To cool down, he needs between three and four liters of water every day. Things don't look much better in the textile cleaning sector: Tanja Wiroth reports that the temperatures there reach 31 degrees in the morning and the humidity is oppressive. On hot days, she closes earlier and takes more breaks to escape the heat.

Heat in restaurants and fire departments

Faruk Yavuz, owner of a kebab grill, also blows the same horn. Temperatures in his kitchen reach up to 60 degrees Celsius, which often pushes the employees to their limits. To avoid sweating, he takes frequent breaks and resorts to chai tea and still water to keep himself cool. A different perspective comes from firefighter Janine Goinar, who reports that her fireproof clothing traps the heat. In certain missions she is allowed to take off clothing to refresh herself, but it is also important for her to drink enough fluids.

The dangers of extreme heat stress are not limited to simple inconveniences. dguv.de points out that the cardiovascular system is also put under enormous strain and the risk of accidents increases. According to occupational medicine rule 13.1, health consequences such as heat exhaustion or even heat collapse can occur. Employers have a duty to take appropriate measures to protect their employees.

Regulations and protective measures

As a result, the workplace regulations require that the air temperature in work rooms should not exceed 26 degrees. However, this presents a challenge as the reality is often different. Employers are required to create structural conditions to reduce the heat. This includes applying sun protection, proper ventilation and providing enough drinks to counteract the loss of fluids. Making working hours more flexible so that work can be completed in cooler morning hours could also help.

Overall, it is clear that the extreme weather conditions caused by climate change are affecting more and more areas of our lives. A look into the future suggests that such hot summers could become part of everyday life, presenting companies and their employees with new challenges. Those interested can also find information about heat and thermal stress in the workplace forum.dguv.de, where possible protective measures are shown.