Summer is officially upon us, and Mother Nature isn’t messing around. Today’s highs are hitting 90, and next week’s forecast? Brace yourselves – temperatures will flirt with 100 degrees for several days in a row. For those of us working in construction, we know that first blistering week is always the toughest. But with the right preparation, knowledge, and a few cool-down tricks up our sleeves, we can tackle the heat safely and smartly.
Heat Illness: More Serious Than You Think
We might make light of mother nature, but make no mistake, extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable – it’s dangerous.
Each year, thousands of workers across the U.S. fall sick from heat-related illnesses, and tragically, some cases become fatal.
“Nearly 75% of heat-related fatalities happen within the first week of heat exposure, making this a critical time to take precautions seriously.”
Beating the Heat: Tips to Stay Safe and Cool
If you are one of the one-third of workers in the US who spends a regular part of your day outdoors, here’s your essential checklist to follow during this heat wave:
1. Ease into Your Work
Heat acclimatization is key, especially for new or returning workers:
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- Follow the 20% Rule: You need to give your body a chance to build up tolerance to the heat. Start working at only 20% of your usual intensity in high heat on your first day, gradually increasing by 20% each day.
2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Under extreme heat conditions, the average worker can sweat up to 4-5 liters in over a 10 hour shift. That’s about half a liter an hour.
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- Drink cool water frequently – even if you don’t feel thirsty!
- Aim for at least one cup every 20 minutes.
3. Take Regular Breaks
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- Frequent, short breaks help your body cool down.
- Find shady or air-conditioned areas.
4. Dress Smart for the Heat
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- Wear hats, light-colored clothing, and loose, breathable fabrics
- Moisture-wicking fabrics can help pull sweat away from your skin and speed up evaporation – your body’s main cooling mechanism.
5. Look Out for Each Other
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- Check on your coworkers regularly.
- Watch for signs of heat illness, like dizziness, nausea, weakness, and confusion.
Spotting and Responding to Heat Illness
Did you know that heat illness is a medical emergency?
Emergency Symptoms:
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- Look for confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, seizures.
- Call 911 immediately!
- Cool them down with water or ice while waiting for help.
Warning Symptoms:
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- Look for headache, dizziness, nausea, and either heavy sweating, or hot, dry skin.
- Provide water, remove unnecessary clothing, move to a cooler spot, cool with ice or fans, and seek medical care if symptoms worsen.
Final Thought: Let’s Beat the Heat Together!
As the mercury rises, let’s remember—safety and health aren’t seasonal topics.
For more detailed info on heat safety, visit OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Page.
