As spring turns to summer and the weather starts to get warmer, the chances of getting heat waves increases. The risk of having heat-related problems also increases, so if you are working outdoors it’s important to take extra care. The main threats you face are from the excessive heat and the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Working in hot weather can quickly lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, as well as heat stroke. Also, prolonged exposure to the sun can cause damage to your skin, eyes, and hair. The hot weather has the potential reduce your overall performance and productivity at work, and in some extreme cases, it can also affect your equipment.
Here are few simple things a tradesman can do to stay safe and cool when working outside in hot weather this summer:
1. Stay Hydrated:
As dehydration is one of the main risks associated with working outdoors in hot weather, you need to make sure you are taking on plenty of fluids. To stay hydrated, you need to drink plenty of extra water through the day to compensate for the extra water loss from sweating.
As much as possible, water should be chilled so it can help keep your body cool as well as quench your thirst. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink, because it is usually too late. The most effective way is to keep taking regular water breaks.
2. Wear The Right Clothing:
To begin with, you can protect your skin from the effects of the sun with a good sunscreen. Take care to apply lots of it before you start working outdoors.
Having the right clothing can go also go a long way to help beat the heat and keep you protected from the sun. Try to wear clothing that is light and allows plenty of ventilation for your body. However, make sure that it also provides the required level of safety from the usual workplace hazards.
Wearing a hat with a wide brim can also offer added protection for your face and neck. If your trade allows it, it’s a good idea to wear 100% UVA and UVB sunglasses to help protect your eyes from the suns rays.
3. Reschedule Your Day:
If at all possible the best thing to do to avoid any heat-related problems, is to schedule your day around the sun. You can do this by doing any of your outdoor work when it is cooler in the day, like the morning and late afternoons.
Try to work indoors or shaded areas when the sun is hottest, which is usually between 11:30 am and 3 pm. If you can’t rearrange your timetable and you must work in the heat during those times, try to cover the work area to provide shade. If that is not possible either, then make sure you take lots of frequent breaks in the shade.
Implementing these 3 simple strategies should keep you from overheating while you work in the sunshine. Remember that failure to plan for working in hot weather can lead to a host of heat-related problems. To reduce the chances of that happening, what you need is to work out ahead of time, the specific risks you may face while working outdoors. Then put together a series of steps to address them. You also need to educate yourself and any employees about the symptoms of heat-related problems, so you can recognise them before they become more severe.
It is often said that prevention is better than cure, so go ahead and put together a plan that will keep you safe and cool when working outside during the warmer summer months.
