How to Avoid Cold Stress with Flexible Heater Technology

Flexible printed heaters are a relatively new technology that has the potential to gain traction in a variety of industries. Many industry professionals find themselves working in outdoor locations on a daily basis. With the exposure to extreme temperatures during the winter months, they could be putting themselves at risk for cold stress. Staying warm is a serious concern for many of these workers, but what if it didn’t have to be? With flexible heater technology integration, cold stress would not be of concern out in the field.

People who work outdoors oftentimes find themselves exposed to cold, wet working conditions. These harsh conditions take a toll on the workers’ bodies, both physically and mentally, and can pose a significant risk to their health.

What is Cold Stress?

When workers are continually exposed to cold weather, they oftentimes fall victim to cold stress. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), cold stress occurs when “Workers are exposed to extreme cold or work in cold environments”.

Our bodies naturally give off heat, especially when we’re doing a physically demanding task. However, in cold and wet working conditions, our body’s temperature begins to drop. It eventually reaches a temperature where it can’t naturally warm itself. Our body’s natural reaction is to minimize that heat being lost, so our blood vessels constrict close to the skin. Ultimately, once we enter a stage of cold stress, our body poses a significant risk of developing hypothermia, frostbite, or other serious illnesses.

But what if there was a solution to this problem? With printed heater technology, the number of workers exposed to cold stress could drop significantly, ultimately improving the health of outdoor workers.

What Industries Could Flexible Heater Technology Help?

When it comes to working in cold stress, there are several different industries that must work in these conditions. Printed heater technology is here as a solution. With flexible heater integration, you can take the warmth with you, whether it be inside of coats, gloves, or even shoes.

Flexible heaters can be self-regulating, meaning there is absolutely no risk of overheating because they have specific operating parameters. They do not require a power outlet and would operate strictly off a small battery packet that can travel with you. Next, we will discuss how printed heaters could benefit your industry.

Industrial

Working in outdoor conditions, regardless of the time of year can be hard. It requires a lot of physical labor that puts stress on your body. When you toss cold weather conditions into the mix, it can make for longer, more exhaustive days.

Take construction workers for instance. You can add flexible heater technology into jackets, gloves, or even boots. They would have the ability to stay warm throughout their day and help maintain productivity without the distraction of being uncomfortable and cold. By investing in flexible heater integration, many companies may begin to see an increase in worker morale, as they will now have a more comfortable work environment.

Military

Our military professionals put themselves on the frontline day in and day out to protect and serve. This means that regardless of the weather conditions, they have a duty to fulfill their job. Keeping our military workers warm in these harsh conditions is a priority, and with printed heater technology, it’s entirely possible.

Utility

Gas and oil are so essential to our everyday lives, but we oftentimes forget about the workers behind the scenes. The same can be said about water, sewage, and other jobs. Utility workers oftentimes find themselves working in inclement weather, as their job is considered essential. By integrating flexible heaters into their work attire, these essential workers could eliminate one of the many stresses they have on a day to day basis.

Flexible heater integration could be crucial to so many of our industrial workers, especially when it comes to protecting them from cold stress. Flexible heaters are relatively low-cost and can be incorporated into several different articles of clothing to provide warmth when it’s needed most. The best part? They’re battery-operated, meaning they can move with you. If you are interested in getting your next flexible printed heater project started or are interested to learn more, please contact a member of our team! Our team of experienced engineers are available to help you every step of the way.