Some Safety Tips for Working in the Heat This Summer

Friday, June 28, 2013

Some Safety Tips for Working in the Heat This Summer

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

As of the June 21, summer has officially arrived, meaning that construction workers will be outside more often. Because of the rising heat outside and other factors that can endanger workers, it’s important to take the necessary precautions before heading out for the day. Here are some suggestions to consider when working in summer conditions to help avoid construction accidents.

Manage Your Workload

Your work days may be set by employers, but you can always take your workload schedule into your own hands, preventing overheating and exhaustion. During peak hours of the day, usually around 10 am to 4 pm, try to take your break. To further avoid overheating and sunburn, move around frequently and try to work in shaded areas if possible. Of course, you should never forget to apply sunscreen either.

Hydrate Yourself

You don’t have to simply drink water to do this. Just try to avoid any drinks containing alcohol, caffeine, sodium or large quantities of sugar. Plenty of sports drinks such as Gatorade can further hydrate and energize you by replenishing your electrolytes. Your brain will function better as well, keeping you from making dangerous mistakes on the job. Essentially, consuming enough fluids can help keep both you and your co-workers safe from construction accidents.

Keep an Eye on Your Co-workers

Make sure your own health is taken care of, but also watch for your co-workers, as they can experience the effects of heat stress if not taking the same precautions as you. Certain other dangers like ticks or bees can affect outdoor workers, so it’s best to know how to aid all fellow employees if injured on the job.

These tips should help you do what you can to avoid making mistakes and experiencing injuries on the job. If construction accidents occur that aren’t the responsibility of you and your co-workers, you can receive the compensation you want with the assistance of a personal injury attorney on your side.