The HHE program responded to a confidential employee request at a glass bottle manufacturer concerning heat-related illnesses among employees in the forming department. HHE program investigators performed a survey of the forming department, interviewed department employees, reviewed OSHA 300 logs, and took heat measurements. Investigators found that employees were not exposed to excessive heat at the time of the NIOSH investigation, but may be exposed to higher heat levels during the summer months. HHE program investigators recommended that facility managers develop and implement educational and surveillance programs regarding hot work environments, and allow employees to take unscheduled breaks if they feel ill due to the hot conditions. Investigators also recommended that a preventative maintenance schedule be set up for facility coolers. HHE program investigators recommended that employees alert their supervisors if they begin to feel ill due to the heat, drink plenty of fluids, and create a buddy system to watch for signs of heat-related conditions in coworkers. The final report is available at
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2003-0311-3052.pdf.
