Think Safety When the Mercury Rises

MercuryRisingFor those who work outside having the hot sun beating down on their backs is nothing new. After all, jobs don’t stop when temperatures soar. Unfortunately, the only choice is to work through it — often easier said than done.

The hot summer months pose special hazards for those who work outdoors. Your crew must protect themselves against heat, sun exposure and other hazards. Both you and your employees must be aware of the potential hazards in the work environment and how best to manage them.

Working in direct sunlight can add up to 15 degrees to the heat index, and right now we are in the “dog days of summer”. It’s not too late to training employees on the safety hazards of heat related illnesses and implementing preventative measures for your workers who are exposed to extreme heat conditions.

  • Train and educate workers and supervisors on risk factors and early warning signs of heat related illnesses
  • Provide cool drinking water near work areas and promote regular hydration before feeling thirsty
  • Monitor temperature and humidity levels near work areas
  • Implement a heat management program so everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency
  • Use work cycles to limit prolonged exposure to hot work areas and allow workers routine breaks in the shade
  • Acclimate workers by exposing them for progressively long periods of time to hot work environments
  • Use the “buddy system” to monitor worker conditions
  • Use safety supplies such as cooling pads and cooling bandanas
  • Schedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day
  • Avoid alcohol and drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar
  • Always have a heat stress kit on hand for emergencies

Through heat stress knowledge and tactics, you can help ensure the health and safety of your workers over the rest of the summer.

Do you have any additional tips you use to stay cool while working in the hot summer sun? Share them in the comments below, your tips could help a fellow worker in the industry.

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