Though it is always important to follow the appropriate safety tips on the construction site, there are different considerations that will have to be taken into account during the summer months due to the changes in temperature. When you are working outside in extremely hot temperatures, it can become very easy to become dehydrated and even experience various types of heat stress. By following the appropriate safety tips, you can ensure that your workers are adequately protected during the summer months. Here are a few of the best safety tips for the construction site during the summer months.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes incredibly overheated and is incapable of regulating its own temperature. In some situations, an individual experiencing heat stroke may cease sweating, but this doesn’t mean that the body is cooling down. Those that are experiencing heat stroke may initially feel a sense of disorientation or confusion. Throbbing headaches are consistent with both dehydration and the initial stages of heat stroke. Skin may become hot or extremely dry when an individual is experiencing heat stroke. Some more extreme signs of heat stroke include vomiting and even seizures. When you start to experience these symptoms because of heat stroke, it will be crucial to ensure that you seek medical attention.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion tends to occur before heat stroke. Though it is less severe, it is still important to pay attention to. When a body is much too hot, the individual will lose too much water and salt. This is the cause behind heat exhaustion. Some of the signs of heat exhaustion include feelings of dizziness or an extremely fast heart rate. Individuals may also become nauseated or feel extreme feelings of fatigue when their bodies are experiencing heat exhaustion. When you notice the signs of heat exhaustion, it is important to ensure that you drink water and do something to cool your body down, such as taking a cold shower.
Stay Hydrated
It is extremely important to stay hydrated when you are working in hot temperatures. The OSHA recommends that construction workers take a drink roughly every 15 minutes in order to stay hydrated. It is also important to begin hydration prior to the work day and focus on drinking a significant amount of water. Avoid beverages like soda or energy drinks because these beverages can actually result in some dehydration, while masking the symptoms. This can lead to substantial problems. It is crucial to make an effort to drink enough water when working outside in the summer heat.
Healthy Eating
Healthy eating is an important component of staying healthy when working outside in the summer. Greasy, fatty foods aren’t going to be particularly helpful during the hot summer months. Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet doesn’t only improve your nutrition, but it also leads to a significant increase in the water that you consume. This can go a long way toward helping you to stay hydrated and healthy despite the hot temperatures.
Change Work Schedules
Many work schedules have to be changed during the hot summer months. It can be harmful to work during the peak of the day because it will be extremely hot during this time. Working early in the day or in the evening can be safer than a traditional work schedule. Determine when the ideal time would be to work in order to avoid the hottest parts of the day. If this is impossible, you may want to consider scheduling breaks during the hotter temperatures and working under shade as much as possible.
Wear Lighter Clothing
The clothing that you wear will have a huge impact on your body during the summer months. Wearing lighter clothing can go a long way toward keeping you more comfortable during summer work days. However, keep in mind that it is still critical to wear all of the related safety equipment. You can’t simply forego wearing a hardhat or other protective gear because it is uncomfortable during the summer. Ensure that you put effort into how you dress in order to optimize your safety during the summer months.
Use Sunscreen
It is crucial to wear sunscreen when you are working out in the sun. This is even important on overcast days, as UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds. Reapply sunscreen throughout the day in order to provide optimal protection. When you don’t use sunscreen, it is highly likely that you will become burnt during work. Not only is this painful and uncomfortable, but it can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Regular sunscreen use can go a long way toward protecting your skin and keeping you healthy through the summer.
Take Regular Breaks
It is extremely important to take regular breaks throughout the day when working outside in the summer. When you take regular breaks, you can help to prevent heat stress and keep yourself healthy. Make an effort to drink water on your breaks and give your body a chance to cool down. Ensure that you schedule regular breaks throughout the day to prevent yourself from becoming negatively impacted by the hot temperatures.
Get Adequate Sleep
It is often difficult to get sufficient levels of sleep during the summer, as REM sleep tends to be much harder to obtain. Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night in order to protect your health during the summer months.
At BGW, we offer superior construction services to meet all of your church-related construction needs. We take a unique approach to the construction of a church building, focusing on sustainability and efficiency. This can go a long way toward preventing many issues from occurring and protecting your project. Our experts at BGW are experienced in following safety practices during the project, especially during the summer months. To learn more about the construction services that we offer and the benefits they can provide to your church building, contact us at BGW today!
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