Strategy for evaluation and prevention of risk due to work in thermal environments.

A strategy in four successive stages is described and justified for the prevention and control of thermal problems in the workplace. This should allow these problems to be approached and solved progressively in small as well as large companies by relying successively, when necessary, on the complementary competencies of the workers themselves, their technical assistance, the occupational health specialists and the experts. The criteria to fulfil at each stage are described and discussed. Appendix 1 describes in detail the methods to be used at stages 2, "Observation" by the workers and their assistance; at stage 3, "Analysis" with the help of specialists; and outlines the stage 4, "Expertise".