Heat Stress: A Silent Workplace Hazard You Should Not Ignore
Jan 22, 2026
Protecting People and Promoting Wellbeing
Health and safety is more than a legal requirement. It is a fundamental responsibility that protects workers, visitors, and businesses from harm. Every year, millions of workplace accidents and occupational illnesses occur worldwide, many of which are preventable through proper health and safety management. A strong health and safety culture not only saves lives but also improves productivity, morale, and organizational reputation.
What Is Health and Safety?
Health and safety refers to the policies, procedures, and practices put in place to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill health in the workplace. It covers both physical safety, such as preventing falls or machinery accidents, and health protection, including exposure to hazardous substances, stress, and long-term occupational diseases.
The goal of health and safety is simple: to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls that keep people safe while they work.
Why Health and Safety Matters
Effective health and safety management benefits everyone involved.
- It protects employees from injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
- It reduces downtime, compensation claims, and medical costs.
- It improves productivity by creating a safe and confident workforce.
- It helps organizations comply with legal requirements and avoid penalties.
- It enhances company reputation and employee trust.
A safe workplace is not only ethical but also economically smart.
Common Workplace Hazards
Workplace hazards vary by industry, but some are common across many sectors.
- Physical hazards such as slips, trips, falls, noise, and vibration.
- Chemical hazards including gases, fumes, dusts, and hazardous liquids.
- Biological hazards such as bacteria, viruses, and mold.
- Ergonomic hazards caused by poor posture, repetitive tasks, or heavy lifting.
- Psychosocial hazards including stress, fatigue, bullying, and long working hours.
Identifying these hazards early is the first step toward prevention.
Employer and Employee Responsibilities
Health and safety is a shared responsibility.
Employer Responsibilities
- Providing a safe working environment.
- Carrying out risk assessments.
- Supplying safe equipment and personal protective equipment.
- Offering health and safety training and supervision.
- Developing clear safety policies and procedures.
Employee Responsibilities
- Following safety rules and procedures.
- Using equipment and personal protective equipment correctly.
- Reporting hazards, near misses, and unsafe conditions.
- Taking reasonable care of their own safety and that of others.
When both sides work together, safety becomes part of everyday operations.
Key Elements of an Effective Health and Safety Program
A strong health and safety system typically includes:
- Hazard identification and risk assessment.
- Clear safety policies and procedures.
- Training and awareness programs.
- Proper use of personal protective equipment.
- Incident reporting and investigation.
- Regular inspections and continuous improvement.
Consistency and leadership commitment are essential for success.
Building a Positive Safety Culture
A positive safety culture exists when safety is valued at all levels of an organization. This means leaders lead by example, workers feel comfortable reporting concerns, and safety is prioritized over shortcuts. Open communication, regular training, and recognition of safe behavior help reinforce this culture.
Conclusion
Health and safety is not optional. It is a critical part of any workplace, regardless of size or industry. By identifying risks, following best practices, and fostering a culture of safety, organizations can protect lives, improve performance, and create healthier, more sustainable workplaces. Investing in health and safety today prevents accidents tomorrow and ensures that everyone goes home safe at the end of the day.
Workplace Safety
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"pageCont": " Why Workers Overlook Safety Signs
Overconfidence From Experience
Experienced workers may believe they already understand the risks and no longer need to read posted signs, leading to increased incident potential (Johnson & Lee, 2020).
Poorly Designed Or Placed Signage
Signs with unclear wording or low visibility fail to capture attention. Research shows clear, high contrast signs significantly improve hazard recognition (WorkSafe Research Group, 2019).
Familiarity And Repetition
When employees see the same signs every day, the information becomes routine. Over time, this reduces attention and overall effectiveness (Smith, 2018).
See something every day and your brain goes, cool background art.
Basically, when signage becomes the office wallpaper nobody notices.
Peer Pressure Vibes
One person ignores a sign and suddenly it\u2019s a group activity.
No one wants to be the only one doing the smart thing apparently.
How To Improve Sign Awareness And Compliance
Enhance Visual Clarity
Use bold colors, large fonts, and clear symbols. Signs should communicate the hazard within one second of viewing.
Rotate Or Update Signage Periodically
Changing colors, formats, or placement prevents visual habituation and encourages renewed attention.
Integrate Real Consequences In Training
Employees respond better to real scenarios, case studies, and incident examples linked to the signage. This strengthens hazard perception and personal accountability.
Promote A Safety Focused Culture
When supervisors follow sign instructions, workers are more likely to follow suit. Leadership behavior plays a crucial role in driving compliance.
Quick Takeaway
Workers ignore signs because human brains be doing human brain things.
Change the design change the culture and the signs finally get noticed.
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Anyone who has worked in a hospital knows medical waste is not regular trash, one wrong move and you are dealing with leaks, infections, fines and chaos. So getting this right is not optional.
insight drop
Proper waste handling keeps infections down and protects staff, patients and the environment.
Think of it like controlling traffic if everyone ignores the rules the whole place becomes a danger zone.
what facilities must consider
- infection control rules plus core health and safety practices
- national and regional environment laws on waste disposal
- transport rules for moving hazardous waste from site to treatment facilities
key focus areas
People love saying waste is just waste but not when it can cut you or cause contamination, so facilities need strong systems for:
- classifying waste into infectious, chemical, pharmaceutical and sharps
- safe storage using sealed, labeled containers in secured areas
- documented waste tracking so nothing goes missing
- transport using approved carriers and containers
- regular compliance reviews because safety with no follow up is basically hope
who needs to follow this
any place that treats patients or handles samples
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- hospitals and clinics
- labs and research centres
- dental and outpatient facilities
- ambulance and emergency units
- pharmacies and community health centres
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"pageCont": "Staying safe at work isn\u2019t just about company rules it\u2019s something everyone has to take seriously every day. But even with the best intentions, people still make simple mistakes that can put them at risk.
Here are some of the most common slip-ups and how to avoid them.
1. Not Following Safety Procedures
Sometimes safety rules feel unnecessary or slow things down, but they exist for a reason. Skipping steps or taking shortcuts can lead to serious injuries.
2. Skipping Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
It might feel uncomfortable or inconvenient, but PPE like gloves, helmets, and goggles are your first line of defense. Not wearing them leaves you exposed to avoidable hazards.
3. Getting Distracted
Whether it\u2019s checking your phone or chatting too much, losing focus can make you miss dangers around you. Staying alert keeps you and others safe.
4. Being Overconfident
Once people get used to their job, they sometimes relax too much. Feeling \u201ctoo comfortable\u201d can cause you to overlook risks you\u2019d normally catch.
5. Not Getting Enough Training
If you\u2019re unsure how to use equipment or don\u2019t fully understand the procedures, mistakes can happen. Proper training helps you work confidently and safely.
6. Horseplay and Pranks
Goofing around might seem harmless, but in a work environment, it can quickly turn dangerous. It\u2019s best to keep things professional to avoid accidents.
7. Not Reporting Hazards or Incidents
If something looks unsafe or an incident happens, reporting it immediately can prevent bigger problems later. Everyone benefits when hazards are addressed early.
8. Ignoring Safety Signs
Safety signs are there to guide and protect you. Ignoring them increases your chances of accidents they\u2019re not just decorative.
9. Using Equipment Without Proper Permission
Using machines or tools without training or authorization is risky. Make sure you\u2019re cleared and properly trained before handling any workplace equipment.
10. Working While Exhausted or Stressed
Fatigue and stress can affect your concentration and reaction time. Taking breaks, resting, and managing stress helps keep you sharp and safe.
When employees understand these common mistakes and work on avoiding them, the workplace becomes safer for everyone. Regular training, open communication, and a strong safety mindset go a long way in preventing accidents and keeping people healthy.
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Kenya\u2019s informal sector employs millions, but many workers face risky and difficult conditions. Street vendors, artisans, and construction workers often work long hours for low pay, usually without protective gear or safety measures. This puts them at high risk of injuries, illness, and even death\u2014problems that keep many trapped in poverty.
Challenges in the Informal Sector
Workers deal with several challenges, including:
1.No job security or benefits: Most informal jobs are temporary and don\u2019t offer health insurance, paid leave, or retirement plans.
2.Unsafe working conditions: Poor lighting, bad ventilation, limited sanitation, and exposure to harmful materials are common.
3.Little access to training: Without skills training, workers struggle to improve their earnings or move to better opportunities.
4.Low and unpredictable income: Daily earnings fluctuate, making financial planning difficult.
5.Weak social protection: Most workers aren\u2019t covered by safety nets like pensions or compensation for injuries.
Common Occupational Hazards
Informal workers face:
Physical hazards: Harsh weather, dangerous tools, loud noise, and toxic chemicals.
Biological hazards: Exposure to diseases, parasites, or insects.
Ergonomic hazards: Injuries from repetitive tasks, heavy lifting, or poor posture.
What Can Be Done
Improving safety in the informal sector can include:
1.Training workers on safety and practical skills.
2.Better working conditions, like clean water, sanitation, and protective gear.
3.Social protection programs to support workers in emergencies.
4.Organizing workers into groups to strengthen their bargaining power.
5.Clear regulations that protect workers\u2019 rights.
Role of Different Stakeholders
Government: Enforce safety rules, offer training, and create support programs.
Employers: Provide safe conditions and fair pay.
Civil society: Train workers and champion their rights.
Workers: Organize and take advantage of training opportunities.
Working together, these groups can help make Kenya\u2019s informal sector safer and more secure for the millions who depend on it.
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"pageCont": "In many workplaces today \u2014 from busy offices to government desks and even call centres \u2014 employees spend long hours seated. With the pressure to meet deadlines, serve customers, and keep operations running, it\u2019s easy to find yourself glued to your chair from morning to evening.
But what does all that sitting mean for your health and safety?
1. Sitting Too Long Can Lead to Serious Health Problems
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that individuals who sit for more than eight hours a day without engaging in physical activity face a considerably higher risk of early mortality compared to those who are more active. This emphasizes the critical need for regular movement throughout the workday. Doctors have been sounding the alarm: sitting for long hours isn\u2019t just uncomfortable \u2014 it\u2019s harmful.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sedentary behavior is linked to a higher risk of;
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Lower back pain
- Poor blood circulation
- Some forms of cancer
Many office workers will tell you about \u201cback issues\u201d that start silently and get worse over time. When you sit for too long, especially with poor posture, your muscles and joints take the hit. Even worse, studies show that people who sit for more than eight hours a day without regular movement have a higher risk of early death compared to those who stay more active. The message is simple: sitting less and moving more matters.
2. Work-Related Body Aches Are Becoming the New Normal
If you\u2019ve ever finished a workday with a stiff neck, painful lower back, or tingling fingers, you\u2019re not alone. In Kenya, musculoskeletal problems are now one of the leading causes of sick-offs and reduced productivity. Poor office furniture, cramped workstations, and lack of ergonomic awareness are major contributors. Many workplaces \u2014 especially in SMEs \u2014 rarely conduct ergonomic assessments, yet small adjustments like chair height and screen positioning can prevent years of pain.
3. Your Mental Health Also Takes a Hit
Sitting for too long doesn\u2019t just hurt your body \u2014 it impacts your mind as well.
Long hours behind a desk, minimal breaks, and limited social interaction can increase stress, anxiety, and feelings of burnout. For employees in high-pressure roles like finance, customer care, logistics, and tech, this is becoming a common struggle. Workplaces that encourage movement, interaction, and regular breaks often report better morale and less burnout among staff.
4. Safety Risks Increase When You\u2019re Tired and Uncomfortable
It\u2019s easy to assume workplace safety is only an issue for factories and construction sites, but even office environments are not exempt. Fatigue from sitting too long can reduce concentration and slow reaction times. This can lead to avoidable errors \u2014 especially in roles that require high accuracy, such as accounting, procurement, and data entry.
In high-risk environments (like manufacturing, transport, or warehousing), reduced focus caused by discomfort becomes even more dangerous.
5. So What Can Workplaces Do?
The good news? Small changes make a big difference:
- Take short movement breaks every hour \u2014 even a 2-minute stretch helps.
- Adjust your chair and desk to reduce strain.
- Use standing desks if your workplace provides them.
- Walk during phone calls or during breaks.
- Employers should invest in ergonomic furniture or offer occasional assessments.
- Encourage a culture of wellness \u2014 not just productivity.
Prolonged sitting is slowly becoming one of the silent health risks in workplaces. But with awareness and simple adjustments, both employers and employees can reduce these risks and create healthier, safer, and more productive work environments.
Your body is designed to move \u2014 so don\u2019t let your chair hold you hostage!
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\r\nAccording to a statement released by the power generator states that the incident occurred on Friday 12th July at 4.00 pm local time during the ongoing commissioning of one of the newly installed units. The pressure in the system was increased in order to step up power generated from 43 MW to 65 MW leading to the the incident. The high pressure safety safeguards installed in the system operated as designed but this triggered a stampede which led to the 10 workers being injured.
\r\nNine of the workers were treated in nearby Naivasha hospital and discharged with one being referred to Nairobi for further treatment. Most of the injured are employees of H-Young (EA) Ltd, one of the companies contracted by Kengen to construct the plant.
\r\nThe Olkaria V power plant is expected to be fully commissioned by August and will add a total of 165 MW to the grid. The plant uses a direct steam technology where steam from several wells across the geothermal field is collected by use of cladded steam pipes and directed to the power plant and used to turn the turbines to generate electricity. The steam pipes in the geothermal power plants in Naivasha typically carry steam at temperatures of above 150 degrees Celsius and pressures above 10 bar (145 psi). The power plant is operated remotely from the power plant control room by use of a Distributed Control System (DCS). As such, safeguards are very critical to ensure this system operates without causing injuries to people or damage to the other equipment in the system.
\r\nThough not unique to geothermal power plants, \"safety by design\" concept is critical for these plants and helps to \"design out\" health and safety risks during design development. Safety considerations and the elimination or mitigation of the hazards found in geothermal surface facilities, such as steam gathering systems and geothermal power plants start in the engineering design phase.
\r\n", "showContent": "1", "pageDesc": "The incident occurred during the ongoing commissioning of one of the newly installed units due to increased pressure in the system to ramp up generation. ", "dateCreated": "Jul 18, 2019 8:02 AM", "date_modified": "2025-11-21 10:56:22", "author": "HSE Editor", "postParent": "596", "isParent": "0", "pageImage": "uploads/images/202011/image_750x_5faa1ed26c281.jpg", "showImage": "1", "imgThumbnail": "uploads/images/202011/image_750x415_5faa1ed279e92.jpg", "medium_thumbnail": null, "small_thumbnail": "uploads/images/202011/image_100x75_5faa1ed2852e3.jpg", "xs_thumbnail": null, "active": "1", "showOnNav": "0", "pageType": "Blog", "carouselID": null, "template": "2", "icon": null, "featuredPage": "0", "slideImage": null, "slide_image_small": null, "webp_slide_image": null, "webp_slide_image_sm": null, "slideTitle": null, "slideCaption": null, "showCaption": "1", "hasComments": "0", "font_icon": null, "footer_link": null, "page_video": null, "header_image": null, "menuImage": null, "youtube_playlist": null, "slider_title_color": "#000000", "slider_caption_color": "#000000", "caption_position": null, "slide_overlay": "0", "page_intro": null, "short_intro": "A burst steam pipe at the Olkaria V Geothermal power plant currently under construction by the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) left 10 workers injured.", "cta_text": null, "cta_url": null, "menu_title": null, "section_title": null, "embedded_page": "0", "resource_page": "0", "show_header": "0", "require_subscription": "0", "show_menu_title": "0", "image_url": null, "featured": null, "banner": null, "color": null, "date_created": "Jul 18, 2019", "parentSlug": "osh-news/workplace-safety", "grandparentSlug": "osh-news", "url": "osh-news/workplace-safety/10-injured-at-olkaria-v-geothermal-plant", "parentTitle": "Workplace Safety", "title": "10 Injured at Olkaria V Geothermal Plant" } ]