Hello, everyone. This is Enta.
Last weekTemperatures hit 40 degrees in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture!!
I'm working on a job site near there, and it's seriously hell.
Air-conditioned clothing doesn't work at all; in fact, it actually contributes to heatstroke.
As a result, people are falling ill left and right!!
I'm starting to think it's about time we put an end to the myth of air-conditioned clothing.
Especially for general contractors who wear them 100% of the time!
I want people to know that wearing air-conditioned clothing at current temperatures can actually increase the risk of heatstroke.
Unlike people who just pop by the site for a moment, the contractors are there the whole time, right?
If they make them wear it 100% of the time, what would they do if an accident happened??
Is it a matter of personal responsibility??
But that's beside the point.
Do you wear a dust mask?
For us, it would be the gunman, the nozzle man, and the cement pourer.
I usually wear a mask, but,
That's it!
I'm really prone to heatstroke!!
To all the slope maintenance workers: Thank you so much for your hard work in this heat.
But those masks we wear as part of our "dust control" measures...
Actually,Increasing the risk of heatstrokeDo you really know this?
Especially administrators!!
■ Why Do Dust Masks Increase the Risk of Heat Stroke?
◎ ① Heat builds up around the mouth
Masks make it difficult for the heat and moisture in exhaled breath to escape, andThe temperature around your face will rise.
In particular, high-performance masks made of nonwoven fabric or containing activated carbon provide excellent heat retention, andMy face feels like it's being roasted。
Reference: Japan Society for Occupational Health, “Guidelines on Heat Stress in the Work Environment” (2020 Edition)
◎ ② Breathing tends to become shallow
Wearing a mask in the heat causes your breathing to become shallow and rapid.
This isHyperventilationThis causes the body to lose even more water and salt.
◎ ③ It’s hard to notice when you’re thirsty
When your face is covered, you become less sensitive to "thirst."
Before I knew it, it was already...Dehydration has begun.Something like that, too...
■ What's Actually Happening on the Ground
Even at construction sites managed by major general contractors,
At a worksite where “Dust masks are required for safety!”One person suffered mild heatstrokeIt has become.
But I don't think people realize that this is actually caused by the mask.
Of course, I’m sure there are various factors contributing to heatstroke, but this is certainly one of them.
If there's dust in the air at the worksite, you definitely need to wear a mask.
But the rule about “wearing it at all times” is,Actually, I'm wearing myself out.It's just a possibility.
■ What should I do?
-
Especially on hot days,Take off your mask!
-
High-ventilation mask with an intake valveUse (avoid N95 masks)
-
Regular Hydration and Salt IntakeDon't forget
■ Expert Opinions as Well
In a report released in the summer of 2022, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare also stated that,
"Wearing a mask increases the risk of heatstroke. It is recommended that you remove your mask when outdoors if you can maintain a distance of at least 2 meters."
It is clearly stated (from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s “Measures for Preventing Heat Stroke in the Summer of Reiwa 4”).
Safety dust masks,It would be a total waste if it ended up ruining your health!
With the right knowledge and rules,On-Site Safety and Worker HealthLet's protect it!
As things stand, it’s a “I’d die for safety!” situation—and it’s no laughing matter.
See you later.
