Stay Cool In The Summer
Outdoor work is always challenging.
Working in the extreme heat should never be shrugged off as just part of the job.
You shouldn't jeopardize your health and well-being to get your work done.
Luckily, there are plenty of measures to take to help you make it through the long, hot summer heat without suffering.
Some methods to regulate internal body temperatures are time-tested, common-sense solutions, while others incorporate new technology and fresh thinking.
There are many challenges when working outdoors, and being able to take a few hours to cool off in an air-conditioned room isn't always an option when there's work to be done.
When working outside, the simplest way to survive the heat is to try to make the work environment cooler.
Using air conditioning equipment, cooling fans, and reflective shields that can redirect heat placed around the worksite can provide a great deal of relief.
Getting through a hot summer takes planning and preparation, but that's already part of your job anyway.
You'd never show up at a jobsite without the proper tools, so you should never arrive unprepared for the heat.
Being prepared for the heat during the summer months will allow you to finish your jobs without having your body temperature go through the roof.
Finding what works will vary from person to person.
We're all built differently, and not every project you have to do outside in the heat will be the same.
That's why you need to be sure to do what is best for your body and your work situation.
So, when the heat is on and you are stuck working outside, what are the best ways to lower your risk level?
Table of Contents
Plan Ahead
Working during hot summer begins with planning and estimating.
You should be adding materials and methods to the activities that will most likely be affected by hot weather.
So, for example, on new construction and in remodeling, you won't always have access to air conditioning because the equipment for it hasn't been installed yet.
So to counter the heat-related risks, you can purchase and set up fans to increase the airflow.
If you're stuck outside working and completely exposed to the sun, you could use a shade cloth, make sure everyone has access to cooling towels, and make sure there is more than enough easily accessible water.
Different jobs will have different heat risk levels, so planning for them as you estimate will ensure that you can respond to the heat accordingly.
OSHA recommends that you use administrative and engineering controls to reduce or even eliminate heat hazards.
Installing air-conditioning and ventilation systems will lower the heat and humidity on your jobsite.
It might also be in everyone's best interest to change work hours, so people aren't stuck working during the day's hottest parts.
Other things you could try are building rest periods into the work, and provide ways for workers to gradually build up a tolerance to working in the heat.
When dealing with equipment and tool risks during the summer, you can perform maintenance on shorter intervals and try to keep tools, fuel, and batteries in the shade.
Planning your material storage and staging material purchases to arrive when needed reduces improper storage damage.
This will also lower your employee's exposure to the heat as they locate, move, and place materials.
And lastly, you should empower your schedules with the appropriate hot weather controls.
Calculate the risk scenarios and mitigate them or insure against them.
Recognize the Signs of Heatstroke
If you have to work outside in the extreme heat, everyone on the jobsite should be trained to recognize the factors that lead to heatstroke or other medical conditions.
When you're working in high humidity, people won't be able to cool down effectively through sweating as they usually do.
If you are working strenuously somewhere with no air movement in extreme heat, and you're wearing protective gear, your chance of heat illness will rise exponentially.
That's why everyone on the jobsite must know the factors that lead to heat stress and understands their cumulative effects.
There are two areas to focus on here; environmental and job-specific.
Environmental factors that put workers at risk for heatstroke are:
- High temperatures and humidity
- Machines, equipment, and materials radiating heat
- Hot objects on the jobsite
- Direct exposure to the sun
- Little or no air movement
Job-specific factors that can put you at risk are your level of physical exertion, and if you're wearing non-breathable protective clothing and equipment.
When some or all of these risk factors combine, they can create life-threatening situations that pose threats to everyone on the job site.
Take Preventive Actions
We've all heard the old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
That applies to work in the heat in the summer as well.
Training people on recognizing signs of heat-related illness and how to take preventive and first-aid actions is a significant first step. Encourage your team to wear lightweight clothing (if they don't need to wear protective clothing on the job site) or cotton clothing.
The first sign someone may be on the verge of heat exhaustion are heat cramps. Heat cramps can include muscle cramps, pain, and spasms.
These will strike in the abdomen, arms, and legs.
If anyone on your jobsite starts cramping, have them sit in the coolest available place for a few hours. If you aren't sure what the coolest available spot is, move them out of direct sunlight and under a shady spot if possible.
They need to drink water or a sports beverage with electrolytes and have something to snack on. Avoid salt tablets, spicy foods, junk food, and energy drinks as they can lead to dehydration.
Heat exhaustion begins when your body has lost too much water and salt, so drinking water all day long is critical in the summer.
Other symptoms include:
- rapid heart rate
- heavy sweating
- weakness
- dizziness
- nausea
The best ways to remedy these symptoms are resting in a cool place, drinking plenty of water or cold beverages, and, if possible, by taking a cool bath or shower. Holding ice cubes, using a cold compress, or spritzing cold water with a spray bottle can also be helpful.
When heat stroke sets in, people will have:
- An elevated body temperature
- Confusion
- Loss of coordination
- Head ache
- Hot, dry skin
- Profuse sweating
- Throbbing headaches
- Seizures and coma
If anyone experiences any of these symptoms, immediately move them to a shaded area and call emergency medical responders.
Removing excess clothing and safety gear and applying cold water to the body while they are in the shade can help the person cool down while you wait for medical help to arrive.
Stay Cool With STEVENS
Your foreman and everyone else on the job site should keep a close eye out for any indications of heat exhaustion among themselves and their co-workers.
Worker safety should always be a top priority, especially during the summer months.
Using the tips above should ensure your jobs go off without a hitch, even during the summer's hottest months.
At STEVENS, we have the knowledge and experience to ensure that your projects are done right the first time, no matter what the weather is like.
To learn more, call (440) 234-7888, or click the button below to get started on your next project.
