Rising temperatures in Gulf of Mexico affect offshore workers’ health

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has issued a heat advisory for offshore workers due to high heat index levels in the Gulf of Mexico. The National Weather Service has reported heat index values exceeding 110F in some areas with no relief in sight. Sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico have also reached record highs. The BSEE has warned that several workers have already experienced symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion. In some cases, workers have had to be brought ashore for treatment.

To prevent and treat heat-related illnesses, the BSEE recommends that offshore operators and contractors provide employees with information on prevention and treatment, ensure access to cool areas and fluids, and implement work policies that require regular breaks in high temperatures. If symptoms appear, workers should be given medical attention, moved to a cool area, and provided with cool fluids. Unnecessary clothing should also be removed. The safety warning can be found on the BSEE’s website.

Source .