Safety Tips for Warm-Weather Work

Employees should understand the factors that lead to heat susceptibility.  With temperatures rising, it is a good time to review.

Head susceptibility can be caused by:

• A combination of high temperature, direct sun, and humidity;
• Intense physical labor during peak hours; or
• Sudden hot days after cool weather conditions or workers who have not yet acclimated to the heat.

How do you protect your workers?

• Stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids – avoid caffeinated beverages as they increase heat sensitivity.
• Wear light-colored clothes with sunscreen.  Also consider a wide-brimmed hat.
• Early schedules to avoid the hottest part of the day
• If strenuous tasks, increase number of workers and make sure employees take frequent breaks.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion – headache, dizziness, weakness, wet skin, and fainting.

Frequent oversight of your employees will help to identify and treat heat sensitivity episodes.

Source:  Property/Casualty 360