Heat Exhaustion: Tips to Stay Cool When Working Outdoors This Summer

Working outdoors has its advantages. You'll get plenty of exercise while soaking up the sun in the process. The downside, of course, is that it can leave you feeling hot during the summer months. Many workers even suffer from heat exhaustion during the summer. 

Not to be confused with heat stroke, heat exhaustion is a medical condition that's characterized by an increase in body temperature. When working outdoors during the summer, your body temperature may increase. If it increases too much, it can lead to heat exhaustion. Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, sweating and pale skin. You can still work outdoors during the summer, but you should follow some tips to stay cool and protect against heat exhaustion.

Drink Water

Something as simple as drinking water can better protect you from heat exhaustion. Statistics show that over three in four Americans are chronically dehydrated. While dehydration can cause its own symptoms, it's a common risk for heat exhaustion.

If you are dehydrated, your body may struggle to itself. Our bodies are capable of cooling themselves through perspiration. As your body heats up, you'll probably sweat. Perspiration in the form of sweat will allow your body to release some of its trapped heat. But you need to drink water in order for this biological cooling process to occur. When dehydrated, your body may fail to produce a sufficient amount of perspiration.

Stay in the Shade

Another way to stay cool when working outdoors during the summer is to stay in the shade. Shaded areas are cooler than sun-exposed areas. The air temperature itself isn't necessarily cooler. Rather, there's less ultraviolet (UV) sunlight in shaded areas. Regardless, you'll feel cooler when working in a shaded area.

Wear a Light Cap

Wearing a lightweight cap can keep you cool when working outdoors during the summer. A cap will essentially create a shade over your face at all times. Even if there's little or no shade in your workspace, you can wear a cap to protect your face from UV sunlight. 

Just remember to choose a lightweight cap. Some caps are heavy. While heavyweight caps offer better protection against forceful blows, they can leave you susceptible to heat exhaustion. Instead of a heavyweight cap, choose a lightweight cap to wear during the summer.

Use the Buddy System

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends the use of the buddy system to protect against heat exhaustion and other forms of heat-related illness. What is the buddy system exactly? It involves partnering up with another worker. You'll watch this worker for signs of heat exhaustion, and he or she will return the favor by watching you for signs of heat exhaustion.