Construction Safety Tips for the Summer

With summer right around the corner, more and more construction crews will be going outdoors to battle the mid-day sun and heat.

Unfortunately, construction work carries one of the highest risks of injury of all industries and occupations. Each year, thousands of construction workers lose their lives, and many more are serious injured, while on the job. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has taken great steps to curb these numbers, though it remains a serious problem. The good news is that both construction workers and employers can reduce the risk of injury by following some simple steps.

Beware of Heat Exhaustion

One of the biggest threats of construction work during the summer is the potential for heat exhaustion. Workers become dehydrated and fatigued more quickly when working under the mid-day sun. So, familiarize yourself with the warning signs of heat exhaustion, such as slowed reaction times, dry mouth, fatigue and headache. If you believe you are suffering from heat exhaustion, take a break by going indoors to cool off.

Wear Loose-Fitted Clothing

Construction workers should also wear loose-fitted clothing when working outdoors during the summer. If clothing is too tight, it can promote heat exhaustion by slowing down the rate at which heat escapes from your body.

Use a Buddy System

Many experts recommend using a buddy system when working outdoors. Basically, this means two construction workers watch each other for signs of hazards or illness. If a worker sees his or her "buddy" exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion, for instance, that worker can let the individual know. Buddy systems such as this are a highly effective way to reduce the risk of injury at construction sites.

Avoid Mid-Day Hours

While not always an option, construction workers should try to avoid doing the bulk of their work during the mid-day hours. This is when the sun is the hottest, making it the most dangerous in terms of heat exhaustion. Furthermore, exposure to the mid-day sun can lead to sunburn while subsequently increasing the risk of certain types of skin cancer.

These are just a few simple ways that construction workers and employers can reduce the risk of injury and illness this summer. For other safety tips, check out some of our previous blog posts.