Articles - Safety

Written by Mickey Baker   

As the summer season approaches, along with it comes higher temperatures, and longer days. Working in the hot summer sun can be more than just discomforting. Serious medical conditions such as dehydration, fainting and heat stroke can lead to workers being sent to the hospital, and in some cases have lead to death. Those workers who are unaccustomed to working in the heat, or those that have poor health, are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
Ways to prevent against heat-related illnesses include:

• Drinking cool water throughout the day, averaging about 24 ounces per hour. Do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or other beverages with high levels of sugar or caffeine.
• Learn to recognize the warning signs of a heat-related illness. These include abnormal sweating, headache, cramping, dizziness, fatigue, blurry vision and vomiting.
• Know how to call for help throughout the day if needed. Keep an eye on your co-workers, watching for signs of heat illnesses.
• If you feel yourself beginning to overheat, tell your supervisor immediately. Rehydrate and go indoors, or find a cool, shaded area to rest.
• Take a cool bath or shower when your workday is done to cool down your body.

Always take precautions when working in the summer heat. Following the above guidelines can help in determining if action is needed to prevent heat-related illnesses. Drinking fluids and staying cool can go along way in preventing these illnesses. Summer is here, so take the precautions to help prevent heat-related illnesses from affecting you.