Current Heat-Related Initiatives in the Realm of Military and Occupational Fields

Military settings have long established safety guidelines for physical activities in the heat from the 1950’s. The guideline includes environmental monitoring, activity modification, hydration guideline, and programs tailored to achieve heat acclimatization. However, heat related illness remains as one of the major health casualties in these settings. In the occupational settings, national and state organizations have begun to implement public campaigns and education programs in the last decade to address the heat safety. Nevertheless, there is yet to be a mandated guideline to address and minimize the risks associated with environmental heat on laborers. Environmental and occupational demands pose unique challenges to the soldiers and workers that more specific and tailored plans for prevention, recognition, treatment, and return-to-duty considerations may be needed in these settings. The presentation will cover current initiatives and collaborative solutions addressing the heat safety in military and occupational settings by the Korey Stringer Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Occupational Health and Safety Administration, National Institute for Safety and Health, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.