Summer is here, and it’s time to beat the heat while on the job site. U.S. cities during the third week of June have already shattered decades-old temperature records as a heat wave stretched from central to eastern portions of the country, according to the National Weather Service. Earlier in June, about 27 million people faced scorching temperatures across California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, according to Axios.
Contractors across the country must be prepared for extreme temperatures throughout the summer months, understanding there is heightened risk of injuries and illnesses as the weather heats up. Heat-related injuries include heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Long-term heat exposure without adequate rest and hydration can cause exhaustion, resulting in breathing difficulties, headaches, and cramps. In some situations, contractors may endure spells of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. They can also experience dizziness, lack of coordination, or unconsciousness, posing a major risk to themselves and others if they continue to work. A heat stroke can affect one’s mental state, resulting in hallucinations, disorientation, agitation, and loss of cognition.
Mitigating On-the-Job Heat Injuries and Illnesses
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) recommends the following preventive measures to mitigate heat injuries and illnesses on sites:
- Develop a heat illness prevention plan.
- Protect new workers from heat. Give them time to acclimate to the conditions.
- Provide workers with water, rest, and shade at regular intervals.
- Modify schedules by having more physically demanding work done before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m., which are the coolest parts of the workday.
- Provide safety training for workers, including guidance on controls, work practices, and personal protection equipment (PPE). For example, provide workers with mesh safety vests to help increase airflow. Workers should also use accessories, like cooling headbands or hardhat sweatbands, to remain comfortable at work.
- Train workers to recognize the symptoms of heat-related stress and seek first aid or emergency treatment.
Be sure you and your crew are ready for hot summer days.