Summertime has arrived and that means so has the heat. As much as we enjoy the summer weather, the rising temperatures can quickly become a safety and health concern. Not adequately preparing for hot weather can lead to several heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and cramping.
That means we must proactively think about the weather for the day, what activities will be performed, and what steps will be taken to manage the onset of heat-related illness.
Below are some steps to keep workers cool, even in the heat.
As much as we think we can, “tough it out”, we need to drink at least 8 ounces every 20-minutes while working in the heat. Depending on the amount of clothing/personal protective equipment we are wearing can increase the amount of water we need to consume. Each employer is to provide water for their employees.
Heat stress can wear down the most seasoned construction workers. Taking breaks is an appropriate step to recover from the heat.
Whether working in a building that has no air conditioning, or in the direct sunlight, monitoring ourselves to know when we have had enough and when it is time to take a break.
Establishing work/rest schedules can help workers take the appropriate breaks for the work they are performing.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health provides guidance for how long, and how frequent, you should break based on the temperature. It also takes into account the type of work you do, whether it’s light or heavy.
Being away from direct sunlight significantly helps with breaks. This significantly assists with the ability to recover from the heat.
This could be a shady area, a part of the building on-site, or an air-conditioned vehicle.
Planning for the next day and understanding the weather predictions, including the heat index, can help determine what work is to be performed.
If the weather indicates it is going to be hotter and/or more humid, then changing the work scope to follow the shade or working inside may help.
Knowing the weather and preparing for heat can also help select your clothing choices. There are many types of clothing styles and fabrics that can help. Find a fabric that’s breathable, has moisture-wicking, UV protection and/or can regulate heat.
Consider natural fabrics like cotton, linen and even bamboo, or moisture-wicking synthetics such as polyester or nylon.
Also consider wearing lighter colors that can reflect the sunlight and loose-fitting clothes to allow airflow.
Setting up the work with the heat in mind can develop opportunities to schedule work in the shade, indoors and away from peak hours.
Some people handle the heat better than others, so input from the workers can help with scheduling additional breaks based on work activities of the employees, lunch breaks during peak hours, and work that may be scheduled off hours or for days when the weather will be less severe.
Even with the appropriate measures, not everyone can tolerate heat the same. Some individuals may have personal risk factors that may affect their tolerance to heat.
New employees to construction can be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses as their bodies have not had time to adjust to the work in the heat. Workers returning to the site after a couple of days, such as a weekend, may have lost some of their acclimatization.
Knowing when you or others are exhibiting heat-related illness symptoms is important to preventing further injury.
These are all great tips for staying cool. If all else fails, think of these three words: Water. Rest. Shade.
Incorporating these into work activities can significantly reduce the potential for heat-related illnesses. If an employee is displaying symptoms of heat-related illnesses, please contact the appropriate people and begin first aid measures