Exposure to excessive heat during physical labor creates occupational safety risks, giving rise to deficits in physical and cognitive functions, and reduced work capacity, especially for those who are also required to wear personal protective equipment. The U.S. Department of Labor has recently launched an occupational heat exposure initiative to protect both outdoor and indoor workers. Chevron is evaluating a novel wearable sweat patch that measures an individual’s sweat loss, electrolyte loss and skin temperature to continuously track personalized hydration and help reduce the risk of heat stress. The sweat patch and software system also notifies the worker in real-time of the amount of fluid and electrolyte replacement needed based on sweat loss. Currently, breaks occur by using work/rest schedules based on temperature, workload or when workers or supervisors feel they need a water break. By monitoring each individual, the sweat patch will be able to provide actionable recommendations to the worker on how to adequately rehydrate themselves with both water and electrolytes, thereby reducing the risk of heat illnesses and safety incidents on the job.

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From the 2022 Augmented Enterprise Summit

Speakers: Michelle Stewart, Lead Occupational Hygienist, Chevron | Selina Chan, Occupational Hygienist, Chevron | Michael Wasik, Health Programs Advisor, Chevron