While summer is starting to wind down, the heat isn’t necessarily over. Workers can start to feel more comfortable in the fall, but focusing on heat stress prevention is still critical for employers and labor professionals. The key is preparation, and it’s helpful to reinforce these things throughout the year, not just in the hot summer sun. Here are some ways to prevent heat stress on the job site.
Don’t Get Thirsty
Dehydration can sneak up. If you feel thirsty, it may already be too late. Be prepared to provide water and frequent water breaks to keep your team hydrated through the day. While water is best, your workers will also lose essential nutrients as they sweat, too. You may also want to provide sports drinks that include electrolytes.
Stay Cool
While working outside is a given, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t provide a place for your team to get out of the heat during their breaks. You want to give your employees a place to go to get out of the sun to protect themselves from heat stress. Exhaustion, heat stroke, and sunburn are only a few things that can create long-term problems. Make sure your team is prepared to get out of the sun and wear the right protective equipment.
Know The Signs
Even as the air begins to cool, you should be watching your team for signs of exhaustion, dehydration, or heat stroke. Pay attention to behaviors that can indicate heat stress from working outside or in tight, enclosed spaces. Make sure they take a break or you may need to call in medical emergency experts.
Establish a Safety Team
You may also wish to include heat stress as a part of your regular safety plan. Incorporating heat safety year-round into your safety program will only enhance your employee experience. You can hire heat safety experts and make sure that your safety team has policies in place to prevent exhaustion and more.
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