Do you work for a company where you work outside for the majority of the day? If you do, then you know how brutal the summer heat can be while working. It is so important to be proactive about heat safety while at the workplace. We provide a few safety tips employers should share with employees or that employees should know to beat the heat.
Individual Heat Safety
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: The CDC says to drink 24-32 oz every hour, but no more than 48 oz per hour. Make sure you hydrate before & after you are working in the sun.
- Wear Clothing That Protects: Hats, loose-fitting long-sleeves, sunglasses, and try to stay away from black-colored clothing.
- Have Sunscreen on Hand: Make sure you are using an SPF of 30 or above.
- Take Scheduled Breaks: Make sure you sit in the shade or go inside a building with air conditioning.
Group Heat Safety
- Work Buddy: Make sure you keep an eye on your co-workers to see if you can detect signs of heat exhaustion or other heat illnesses. Signs include
- Rash that has bumps on the skin
- Muscle spasms
- Headache, fatigue, or fainting
- Constant thirst or nausea
- Know How to Take Action: If your co-worker is having these symptoms, treat as early as possible. Have them rest in a cool area, use ice packs, and have them drink water. If the conditions do not improve, seek medical attention.
- Have an Emergency Plan: Make sure you talk with your supervisor about what the emergency plan is. Also, make sure you know where you are working at all times in case you need to call 9-1-1.
Recap
Communication is key when it comes to heat safety. Make sure your employees are in the know, we made a poster that you can download to make it easy to share! Please reach out to us here at Direct Work Comp at [email protected] if you ever need workers’ compensation insurance, need help with claims management, or have any questions about workplace saftey!
