4 Tips for Staying Safe in Extreme Heat

With summer in full swing, much of the nation is under extreme heat. High temperatures can be harmful, and at times potentially lethal, for those who work in the field, like installers. There are ways those who work outside can keep themselves safe during these warmer months.

1. Drink cold water

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, those working outside in extreme heat should drink cold water even when they’re not thirsty. The recommended amount is one cup every 20 minutes. 

Magid, a safety equipment supplier, also suggests employers take the following precautions to keep their workers hydrated:

• Give out cool beverages with additional nutritional and mineral benefits.
  Certain varieties of electrolyte-replacing beverages absorb into bodies faster than water. They help replace salts or minerals people lose to high temperatures; however, electrolyte-replacing drinks should never be the sole drink choice.
• Provide hydrating options other than soda and energy drinks.
  Many sodas and energy drinks contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine, which can cause dehydration because of its diuretic properties. Cool water and electrolyte-replacing beverages are the better choices.
• Drink stations should be placed as close to an employee’s jobsite as possible.
  If drink stations are far from work areas, or contain warm water, employees will likely neglect their hydration needs. It’s vital to ensure cool liquids are accessible and available all day long.

2. Take breaks

Employees working outside should take breaks long enough to recover with consideration to temperature, humidity and other conditions of the day. Employers should make sure to provide adequate breaks or alternating shifts throughout the day.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, for example, employees performing heavy work in 95 F weather, should work for 45 minutes and rest for 15 minutes on average. The rest-to-work ratio changes depending on the temperature and the level of work being done. Workers should try to take their breaks in shaded and/or cool areas.

3. Dress for the weather

Just like you should wear layers when working in the cold, you should be equally prepared while working in the heat and sun. Workers outside should wear a hat and light-colored, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing if possible.

4. Know the signs of heat illness

Even when steps are taken to prevent heat illness, it’s possible to fall susceptible to the extreme heat of the summer while working outdoors. That’s why it’s important for employers and employees to look out for each other on the jobsite and recognize the signs of someone with heat illness and know the appropriate next steps to take.

Heat illness symptoms, according to OSHA:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Weakness or dizziness
• Heavy sweating or hot, dry skin
• Elevated body temperature
• Thirst
• Decreased urine output

What should you do?

• Provide water
• Remove unnecessary clothing
• Move to a cooler area
• Cool with water, ice, or a fan
• Do not leave alone
• When in doubt, call 911

Signs of a medical emergency, where 911 should be called right away, include abnormal thinking or behavior, slurred speech, seizures, and loss of consciousness.