How to Work in the Heat

It seems like just a few weeks ago we were complaining that winter just wouldnâ€™t go away. Now, we are in the full swing of summer and beating the heat is at the top of our minds. This week our Gear ExpertsÂ® have put together a guide about how to work in the heat and stay safe.

Heat Illness

Overexposure to heat can lead to a loss of productivity, a range of illnesses, and even death. The causes of heat illness include: â†’ High temperatures & humidity, direct sun exposure, and/or no breeze or wind; â†’ Low liquid intake; â†’ Heavy physical labor; â†’ Weatherproof or poorly breathing clothes; and â†’ No recent exposure to hot workplaces Many of these conditions are easily remedied. You may not be able to avoid working in hot areas, but frequent water breaks can help a lot. Another thing that can help keep you cool is using cooling products. Cooling towels like the Chill-Its from Ergodyne can be very helpful. Heavy physical labor is probably unavoidable but taking frequent rest breaks to prevent exhaustion is key. Make sure your clothing is breathable. Weâ€™ve covered work wear over on our YouTube channel. Click here to check out that video or click here to see our full selection of cooling work wear. UV protective clothing is very breathable and actually protects your skin from the harsh rays of the sun.

Heat Illness Symptoms

Now that we know some of the things that can cause heat illness, letâ€™s look at some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat Exhaustion

â†’ Headache, dizziness, and/or fainting; â†’ Weakness and/or wet skin; â†’ Irritability or confusion; and â†’ Thirst, nausea, and vomiting

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke can have many of the same symptoms as heat exhaustion. There are some additional symptoms that come with heat stroke: â†’ Being in a confused state â€“ unable to think clearly; â†’ Collapsing and/or passing out; â†’ Seizures; and â†’ Victim completely stops sweating

Best Practices

Knowing the signs of heat illnesses are a great starting point, but it is also important that we know what to do in the invent of a heat illness happening to someone on the jobsite. Some of the best practices for heat-related illnesses are: â†’ Knowing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness â€“ monitor yourself and your crew; â†’ Block out direct sunlight when possible â€“ shelter tents and large brim hats help with this; â†’ Stay hydrated â€“ drink plenty of fluids. If youâ€™re thirsty, youâ€™re already behind; â†’ Avoid caffeine and alcohol; and â†’ Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.

Treatment

If you encounter someone that is sick due to heat immediately call your supervisor and/or 9-1-1. Be sure to stay with the victim until help arrives. While waiting for help there are some preventative measures you can take to help begin cooling the victim down. â†’ Move the victim to a shaded area â€“ the cab of a truck with the a/c on would be even better; â†’ Remove any outer clothing; â†’ Add ice bags or a cool wet cloth to their forehead, neck, and armpits to aid in cooling; and â†’ If they can â€“ give them some cool water to drink Heat illness is not something to be messed with, but with the proper precautions, it can be controlled. Check out our YouTube channel to see our full line of cooling and work wear videos. Need more information about cooling gear or how to work in the heat? Click here to contact one of our Gear ExpertsÂ®. â†’ Click hereÂ to see our full selection of cooling gear â†’ Click here to see our full selection of work wear â†’ Click here to see our full selection of Ergodyne gear