How to Stay Safe When Working in the Summer Heat

The summer season is right around the corner, which means the temperatures will become warmer and more dangerous for outdoor workers. Whether you work in construction, land survey, telecommunications or any other job that requires you to work outdoors, you need to follow certain safety precautions to reduce the risk of injury. The hot temperatures associated with this time of year can lead to fatigue, dehydration and even heat exhaustion/stroke. But there are ways to stay safe when working outdoors in the summer heat, some of which we're going to discuss in today's blog post.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is critical when working in the summer heat. Our bodies work to stay cool much like an air conditioner: releasing heat in the form of perspiration. During this process, however, we inevitably lose some of body's moisture content, increasing the risk of dehydration. So if you're planning to work outdoors this summer, drink lots of water before, during and after your shift.

Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes

Try to get into the habit of wearing loose-fitting clothes when working outdoors on a hot summer day. Tight clothing has a tendency to stick to your body, preventing heat from escaping your body. As such, you'll feel even hotter wearing it. On the other hand, however, loose-fitting clothes has the opposite effect: encouraging perspiration and heat to evaporate away from your body.

Use a Buddy System

If possible, try to use a buddy system when working outdoors, in which you watch another worker for signs of heat exhaustion while he or she watches you. Heat exhaustion can quickly sneak up on an unsuspecting worker, increasing the risk of more serious illness like heat stroke. By using a buddy system, you'll have an easier time spotting heat exhaustion during its early stages, before it progresses to something more serious.

Avoid Peak Hours

Try to limit the time you spend working outdoors during the peak sun hours, which usually occurs between 3 and 6 PM. This is the hottest time of day, so conventional wisdom should lead you to believe that it's also the most dangerous in terms of heat illness.

Take Frequent Breaks

Workers should take frequent breaks to cool off from the summer heat. A short 5-minute break inside an air-conditioned building or facility can make a world of difference in protecting against heat-related illness. Regardless of how long your shift is, take regular breaks throughout to cool off.