What is one way to prevent heat stress while working?

Preventing heat stress is crucial for maintaining health and safety in the workplace, particularly in environments where heat levels can be excessive. Cooling down before starting shifts is a proactive method that helps to acclimatize the body to the work environment. This practice allows the body's temperature regulation systems to prepare for the physical exertion ahead, thereby reducing the risk of overheating and heat-related illnesses.

By starting a shift when the body is already at a more manageable temperature, employees can minimize the initial shock of engaging in intense physical activity, which is essential in high-temperature settings. This step can also lead to improved performance and decreased fatigue, enabling workers to maintain a better level of productivity throughout their shifts.

Wearing thick clothing, working continuously without breaks, and eating heavy meals before cooking can all contribute to increased body temperature and risk for heat stress, which is why those options do not align with effective heat stress prevention strategies.