How to Beat the Heat on the Jobsite
by Ron Kubitz
July 25, 2011
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There is nothing like a beautiful, sunny summer day to get the juices flowing and set the tone for a positive and productive day ahead. Construction workers, however, often have a different view of these summer days, as they spend them working physically demanding jobs that can be made more difficult by excessive heat.
Currently, more than 1 million square miles in the U.S.—covering portions of more than 25 states—are under some form of heat warning. Record breaking temperatures and humidity levels have become the new norm from Oklahoma to the East Coast, and it is still only July. This “heat dome” has caused heat-related illnesses and injuries to construction workers in cities across the U.S., including Cincinnati, Milwaukee and Kansas City. During a similar hot spell last summer, two construction workers in Mississippi died of hyperthermia in the same week. My company has recently taken some steps both on the jobsite and through safety communications to educate workers on this topic, and I thought I would share some of those tips.
OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and others have some great online resources in this area. In order to decrease your chances of suffering from dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, follow these steps:
- Drink COOL water (or sports drink) before, during and after work to replace lost body fluids. Do not wait until you are thirsty; drink small amounts every 15-20 minutes.
- Avoid coffee, tea or soda (caffeine) and of course, never drink alcohol.
- If possible, take short regular breaks in air conditioned or shady areas.
- Cooling vests, cooling bandanas, hard hat shades or products of similar ilk can often provide the protection the construction worker needs. Cold, wet rags can also help do the trick. Light-weight and colored clothing is preferred, and if possible, change clothing at some point during the day.
- Use sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. The higher the better!
It is important to note that after just two hours of moderate outside work on a hot summer day, construction workers may begin to feel the initial stages of heat stress (sweaty, weak or tired, possibly giddy, nausea or vomiting, higher body temperature, pale or clammy skin). After three hours, you may lose strength, energy or focus, which can quickly lead to heat stress/stroke (body temperature above 106, seizures, delirium, red or blue skin) and necessitate a trip to the hospital.
Remember to act quickly when it comes to heat-related stress and to be aware of the symptoms, as the consequences can be deadly. What are some of your tips for staying cool on the construction site during the summer? If you’ve ever been a victim of heat-related stress, would you care to share your experiences?
Ron Kubitz
Ron Kubitz is the recruiting manager for Brayman
Construction Corporation, located in Saxonburg,
Pa. As an accomplished presenter,
Ron is often sought after in regard to his expertise within the world of social
media.
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Title: Beat the heat
By: Timmy J.
Posted: July 28, 2011 7:36 AM
Timely piece for sure but come on now! Working in Vegas we encounter this every year....dry heat my....
Be smart, keep a steady supply of cold and wet headbands or bandannas, drink water and you are good to go.
Title: Beat the Heat
By: Lanny Phillip
Posted: August 1, 2011 9:36 AM
Hey try working in Vegas or Phoenix most of the yeat. Dry heat...whatever it is hot.
Make sure on site safety personnel are well trained on the subject matter as well.
Title: Beat the Heat
By: Titus Blank
Posted: August 8, 2011 7:45 AM
We should just be glad we are working!