It's a heatwave! With temperatures across the country and around the world hitting all-time record highs, keeping workers cool on the jobsite is safety tip #1.
Construction workers are at an elevated risk for heat-related injury and even death. More than 40% of heat-related worker deaths occur in the construction industry.
Regardless of physical condition, age, and tolerance, heat illnesses can affect anyone. Excessive heat can cause heatstroke or heat exhaustion, and just being overheated makes workers more susceptible to accidents or injuries.
As an employer, you’re responsible for protecting workers from risk—extreme temperatures and weather included.
Read on to see what you can do to beat the heat today!
7 tips to prevent heat-related illnesses
1. Understand and use the Heat Index
The heat index takes both temperature and humidity into account, measuring how hot it really feels. Working in heavy protective clothing and gear, coupled with hot sun, can intensify the heat even beyond what the index shows. As an employer, project manager, or site lead, pay attention to weather forecasts and keep the index handy. Also, keep in mind on hazy or cloudy days the temperature can be just as high and the humidity just as bad.
