Ergodyne's heat stress expert Lexi Engelbart breaks down the science of staying cool in the most extreme environments, from industrial job sites to the wildland fire line. Learn about the crucial difference between ambient temperature and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, the hierarchy of controls for heat safety, and the innovative cooling technologies—like phase change vests—that can protect you when the heat is on.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
Heat Stress is Universal: Why it's not just a problem for workers, but for everyone.
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT): The gold standard for measuring the real "feels like" temperature.
The OSHA Rule: An inside look at the proposed federal rule for heat stress and what it means for worker safety.
Water, Rest, Shade: Why these simple principles are the most effective way to mitigate heat stress.
Cooling Tech Deep Dive: Exploring the pros and cons of evaporative cooling vs. phase change cooling vests.
The Acclimatization Risk: Why the first week on a job in a new, hot environment is the most dangerous.
PPE as the Last Resort: Understanding the hierarchy of controls and why engineering solutions come first.
Voice of the Customer: How talking to frontline workers inspires the next generation of safety products.
