Western's team staying hydrated in the heat
Construction work peaks during the summer, yet the season also introduces greater hazards for those laboring outside. Excessive heat and prolonged sun exposure can cause sunburn, dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Every year, building-trade workers suffer heat-related ailments on site, and in some instances, those conditions prove deadly.
To mitigate these dangers, Western Specialty Contractors offers a heat illness prevention training initiative and a safety hotline for personnel laboring in high-temperature environments.
Through this program, both staff and supervisors are educated on how heat impacts the human body, how to identify the early indicators of heat-related conditions, and what steps to take if a colleague begins displaying symptoms. The firm also supplies drinking water and shaded rest zones, while supervisors and safety officers track the heat index to decide when extra precautions are necessary.
"It is important, particularly during the summer months, that outdoor workers drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration, which is the primary cause of heat cramps and exhaustion," said Alex Jeffries, Safety Director at Western Specialty Contractors.
Jeffries provides the following guidance to lower the chance of heat-related illness on construction sites:
– Consume water often, before thirst sets in. Water and non-caffeinated electrolyte drinks are advised, and beverages should be kept cold instead of at room temperature. Adding a lemon slice can make water more enticing to drink.
– Choose light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable attire made from natural fibers such as cotton whenever feasible. Utilize proper personal protective gear, including UV-blocking safety glasses, sunscreen, and brimmed hard hats.
– Gradually increase the intensity of physical labor, especially when returning to outdoor work after a break or beginning a new assignment. When feasible, schedule the heaviest tasks for the coolest part of the day. Employees not yet adjusted to hot conditions face a higher likelihood of heat-related illness.
– Take extra rest breaks during periods of intense heat and humidity. Relax in shaded or air-conditioned spaces when possible, but avoid moving back and forth between very cool indoor settings and extreme outdoor temperatures. Use cooling fans whenever available.
– Select meals with care. Foods high in fat and preservatives put extra strain on the body in hot weather. Lighter meals featuring fruits, vegetables, and salads may be more manageable in high temperatures.
– Keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion in coworkers. Indicators may include fatigue, confusion, stumbling, dropping tools, slurred speech, or unresponsiveness. Heat stroke constitutes a medical emergency requiring a call to 911 and the immediate start of cooling measures.
– Track urine frequency and color throughout the day. Clear or pale yellow urine typically signals sufficient hydration, whereas infrequent urination or dark yellow urine could point to dehydration.
Identifying the early symptoms of heat-related illness, maintaining hydration, taking regular breaks, and adhering to recommended safety protocols can help reduce the likelihood of heat-related injuries for employees working outdoors during the summer season.
Alex Jeffries
Safety Director
AlexJ@westerngroup.com
