Heat-related knowledge, perceptions, and needs among oil spill cleanup responders

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure to heat and hot environments can result in heat-related illness (HRI), injury, and death among workers, particularly those in outdoor environments such as oil spill cleanup responders. Education and training can help prevent these detrimental heat-related health outcomes. PURPOSE: This study assessed: heat-related knowledge, perceptions, and barriers among oil spill cleanup responders, and heat-related training and educational materials currently used and desired. METHODS: A needs assessment was completed by 65 oil spill cleanup responders regarding their occupational heat-related experiences during oil spill cleanup activities and training needs. RESULTS: Most respondents had 25 or more years' experience (52.4%), worked for companies with 19 or fewer employees (53.5%), and were not classified as safety and health professionals (67.7%). Responders reported experiencing HRI risk factors, such as, high temperatures (71.9%) and humidity (85.9%), and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing ensembles (96.9%), respirators (71.9%), and personal flotation devices (78.1%). Many reported experiencing symptoms of HRI (41.5%), and 11% reported experiencing heat exhaustion. While most respondents were knowledgeable of heat stress, they were least knowledgeable about: differentiating between heat exhaustion and heat stroke (12.5% responded correctly), salt tablet usage (62.5% responded correctly), effects of air conditioning on acclimatization (70.3% responded correctly), and previous HRI as a risk factor (73.4% responded correctly). Respondents reported they perceived heat stress to be severe and that HRIs affect workers; and most reported feeling confident in recognizing signs and symptoms of HRI, and knowing what to do if a coworker became ill. While multiple prevention controls were reported, only one in four reported using an acclimatization plan. The most common training and education received included just-in-time training (68.9%) and printed materials (50.8%). The most desirable future training and education products were smartphone or tablet applications (61.0%), printed materials (51.2%), and online training (46.3%). DISCUSSION: Oil spill cleanup responders are at high risk for HRI, injury, and death; and those responsible for their training need to be knowledgeable about all the aspects of occupational heat stress. Findings from this study may be beneficial to safety and health professionals and health educators, particularly those interested in developing heat stress training and educational materials for oil spill cleanup responders.