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Once the rainy season ends, the sun\u2019s rays suddenly become much stronger, creating an environment where heatstroke is even more likely to occur.<\/p>\n
In recent years, preventive measures and public awareness campaigns regarding heatstroke have been actively promoted, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, where I used to work, is no exception. This is because heatstroke cases result in a loss of combat capability for the Self-Defense Forces, which can make it impossible to carry out operations depending on the situation.<\/p>\n
In this session, I\u2019d like to discuss a case of heatstroke that occurred at a construction site within the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.<\/p>\n
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force disseminates information on the heat index (WBGT) based on forecasts from meteorologists assigned to its units and weather observations conducted by meteorological personnel. To ensure that unit members are aware of the conditions, the Force displays colored flags corresponding to different levels on flagpoles and other structures at its facilities.<\/p>\n
The flag colors follow the standards used by the U.S. military; black indicates that outdoor activities are generally prohibited. Next is red, which means physical activity should generally be suspended; orange indicates a high alert; and yellow indicates a warning, with activity restrictions determined based on the heat index.<\/span><\/strong>\u3002<\/p>\n Naturally, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force also takes measures to prevent heatstroke\u2014such as adjusting training content and the frequency of breaks\u2014based on the heat index.<\/p>\n This happened when I was stationed at a unit on a certain southern island. The rainy season had ended, and we were carrying out construction work to improve the parking lot\u2014a project that also served as training, as scheduled in our annual plan.<\/p>\n Due to budget constraints, we planned to use gravel instead of asphalt. This was a training exercise in basic site preparation and compaction using equipment. The area to be prepared was approximately 500 square meters, and we set aside a longer timeframe\u2014four days plus one reserve day\u2014taking into account the island\u2019s weather conditions and each participant\u2019s work schedule.<\/p>\n As I\u2019ve mentioned before, there are few personnel in the facilities specialty within the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. At the time, the facilities management department of the unit stationed on a southern island consisted of only two officers, two petty officers (enlisted personnel) in the facilities management section of the unit stationed on a southern island where I was serving at the time. In addition to these, there were three petty officers specializing in boilers and electrical systems within the shipboard trades\u2014making a total of seven Self-Defense Force personnel, plus an electrical engineer, for a total of just eight people.<\/p>\n The actual work was primarily carried out by petty officers, and the training team consisted of me\u2014who was in charge of on-site operations\u2014and five petty officers. However, since only two members from the facilities division hold the necessary certifications to operate heavy machinery and other equipment, the three members from the shipboard operations division will be working as general laborers.<\/p>\n This was on the third day of work. On the second day, frequent downpours\u2014typical of southern islands\u2014began in the morning, making it impossible to work, so we had to suspend operations; therefore, in terms of the construction project, this was the second day.<\/p>\n Since the workers had gotten the hang of the work procedures to some extent on the first day, the morning went smoothly, and it looked like they would be able to finish the job that same day if they kept up that pace. However, unlike the previous day, the weather was clear and sunny. The thermometer set up at the site was already reading 33\u201334\u00b0C before noon.<\/p>\n Since we had some leeway in the schedule, I felt there was no need to push the crew too hard, given their physical condition, so I consulted with the Senior Petty Officer and suggested, \u201cFor this afternoon\u2019s work, why don\u2019t we suspend operations for one hour\u2014from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., when it\u2019s likely to be the hottest\u2014and resume work after 4:00 p.m.?\u201d<\/p>\n The senior petty officer said he wanted to consult with the crew, then returned. Everyone agreed that they should take frequent breaks while continuing to work, with the goal of finishing the job by the end of the day.<\/p>\n \"As long as we stay hydrated and take frequent breaks, we'll be fine,\" I agreed with everyone else, and we resumed work in the afternoon as planned.<\/p>\n In the end, the high for the day was 36\u00b0C, making it a relatively hot day even for a southern island. When the work was finished and I returned to the office in the evening, a crew member in his mid-40s from the shipboard operations division complained of \u201cfeeling sluggish and dizzy,\u201d so I instructed him to lie down on the sofa and bought him a sports drink from the store to help him rehydrate. Just to be safe, I also notified the infirmary, and a medical assistant came to the office to examine him and help cool him down with ice packs and other measures.<\/p>\n The public health officer advised, \u201cI believe the symptoms are definitely those of heatstroke. Since the team member in question lives alone, I think it would be best for someone to pick them up and drop them off on their way home and tomorrow morning, just to check on their well-being.\u201d It was a blessing in disguise that, in the end, nothing serious happened.<\/p>\n I do regret making them perform work they weren\u2019t used to, especially in such extreme heat. Even though I assumed the facility staff would be fine, it was my fault for failing to realize that, for someone with no construction experience, the work would be a real struggle.<\/p>\n I don\u2019t know how things are now, but when we were training in the Self-Defense Forces, we basically had to either bring our own heatstroke-prevention items and drinks or pool our money to buy them. I think this was a very inadequate approach for an organization. It was also common for the officers in charge on the ground to provide these items out of their own pockets.<\/p>\n After switching to the private sector and talking to various people, I was surprised to learn that many companies provide drinks, salt candies, and other items when employees go out to work sites.<\/p>\n As you all know, heatstroke can be fatal if not handled properly. I expect working conditions on-site will become even more grueling as the season progresses, but life is nothing without health. If you feel even the slightest change in how you\u2019re feeling, please have the courage to let those around you know as soon as possible.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nAs part of a simple paving project that also served as construction training\u2026<\/h2>\n
The temperature is 34\u00b0C. Should we stop working?<\/h2>\n
Incidence of Heat Stroke Cases<\/h2>\n
Surprised by a Private Construction Company's Heatstroke Prevention Measures<\/h2>\n