Workers at a nuclear cleanup facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee are using wearable technology to monitor their core body temperature and prevent heat-related illnesses on hot summer days. These devices, originally developed for athletes and firefighters, collect biometric data and prompt workers to take cool-down breaks when necessary. While the technology has the potential to prevent heat-related losses in labor productivity, concerns about privacy and misuse of medical information have been raised by some labor groups.
The lack of federal regulations protecting workers from extreme heat means that many are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. The Biden administration has proposed a rule to protect 36 million workers from these risks. Wearable devices such as armbands that estimate core body temperature are being adopted by companies like United Cleanup Oak Ridge and Perrigo to ensure the safety of their employees.
While the use of wearable technology in the workplace shows promise in reducing heat stress, experts caution that more research is needed to validate their accuracy in dynamic environments. Companies like Cardinal Glass and Epicore Biosystems are also utilizing wearable devices to prevent heat-related illnesses among their workers.
Privacy advocates warn that collecting personal data from employees using wearable devices may pose risks of employers misusing this information. To address these concerns, experts recommend that employers ensure workers have the option to opt in or out of monitoring devices, process only necessary data, and delete information within 24 hours. Ultimately, wearable technology can be a partial solution to preventing heat-related illnesses in the workplace, but access to breaks, shade, and cool water remain essential for protecting workers from extreme heat.
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