Workers from Western stay hydrated while on the job in hot weather
Construction work peaks during summer, but that season also introduces greater hazards for employees who labor outdoors. High heat and lengthy exposure to the sun can result in sunburn, dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Every year, construction personnel suffer from heat-related ailments at work, and some of these cases prove deadly.
To combat these dangers, Western Specialty Contractors offers a heat illness training program along with a safety hotline for workers facing elevated temperatures.
As a component of this initiative, both employees and supervisors undergo instruction on how heat impacts the body, how to identify early warning signs of heat-related conditions, and what to do if a colleague begins showing symptoms. The company also supplies drinking water and shaded rest areas, while supervisors and safety managers track the heat index to decide when extra protective steps 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 advice for lowering the chance of heat-related illness on construction sites:
– Hydrate often, even before you feel thirsty. Water and non-caffeinated electrolyte drinks are advised, and beverages should stay cool rather than being kept at room temperature. Adding a lemon slice can make water more enticing to consume.
– Choose light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton whenever you can. Use proper personal protective gear, which includes UV-protective safety glasses, sunscreen, and hard hats with brims.
– Slowly increase your tolerance to physically strenuous tasks, especially when coming back to outdoor work after a break or starting a new position. If possible, schedule the heaviest work for the coolest portion of the day. Employees who are not used to hot conditions face a higher likelihood of heat-related illness.
– Take extra rest breaks during times of extreme heat and high humidity. Relax in shaded or air-conditioned spots when they are available, but try not to go back and forth repeatedly between very cool indoor spaces and blazing outdoor temperatures. Use cooling fans whenever you can.
– Select your meals with care. Foods heavy in fat and preservatives can put added stress on the body in hot weather. Lighter fare such as fruit, vegetables, and salads may be simpler to handle when temperatures are high.
– Keep an eye on colleagues for signs of heat exhaustion. Watch for fatigue, confusion, tripping, dropping tools, slurred words, or not responding. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires calling 911 and starting immediate cooling efforts.
– Track how often you urinate and the color of your urine throughout the day. Clear or light-yellow urine usually signals proper hydration, while urinating infrequently or having dark-yellow urine may point to dehydration.
Identifying the initial symptoms of heat-related sickness, staying hydrated, taking scheduled breaks, and following recommended safety measures can help cut the risk of heat-related injuries for workers who are outdoors during the summer months.
Alex Jeffries
Safety Director
AlexJ@westerngroup.com
