Working in the Heat
Some jobs stop for nothing – especially not for a little heat. But when a little heat turns into high heat, high humidity, and working up against prolonged sun exposure, hot work environments can prove to be extremely dangerous!
Workers who face these conditions such as firefighters, bakers and chefs, farmers, construction workers, miners, farm and ranch workers, factory workers and numerous others can be placed at risk of suffering from heat cramps, heat stress symptoms or even potentially fatal heat strokes.
Yet, there are ways to ensure that you’re working in the heat safely, even when the conditions feel too hot to handle. Let’s explore heat-related illnesses, how to identify and prevent them, and 10 safety tips for staying cool as your job site heats up.
Heat Stress Symptoms
Most of us find ourselves extremely happy to get out and enjoy the warmth of the sun and the brightness of the day. Yet, when we are working long hours during a scorcher, we may not find ourselves so easily contented with the sunshine.
Prolonged heat exposure that leads to heat stress and similar heat-related illnesses cause workers in these harsh conditions to suffer from hot, dry skin, profuse sweating, highly elevated body temperature, headaches, cramps, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, dehydration, heat rashes, confusion, altered mental statuses, slurred speech, comas, seizures and occasionally worse.
Yet, working on hot days does not have to mean that you must become a victim to these negative conditions. There are many safe and effective methods and measures that you can take to prevent and reduce stress caused by heat, high humidity, and extended time under the sun.
10 Tips for Staying Cool While Working in the Heat
1. Stay Hydrated
1. Stay Hydrated