From groundbreaking and concrete work to finish carpentry and everything in between, construction work is a physically taxing job as a starting point. Throwing extreme heat into the mix can cause a myriad of issues for those working summer construction, and it’s important to take care of yourself and watch out for your team in cases of extreme weather.
Drinking water is a good place to start. Hydration is extremely important. However, it’s important to know the signs of serious issues like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Keeping hydrated is the first step to preventing these serious medical situations, but knowing what to do when they arise is of utmost importance on any jobsite during the summer. Before we dive into that, let’s take a look at some things you can do to stay safe and healthy on the jobsite this summer.
Wear proper attire – Wear lightweight and light-colored breathable fabrics. If you can, wear moisture-wicking sun shirts. Neck towels, hardhat-brim neck shades, or hats with built-in sun protection can make a massive difference.
Protect your skin – For any skin not covered by clothing, use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher is recommended). Wear sunglasses. Sunburns can reduce your body’s ability to self-regulate temperatures.
Pace yourself – We all want to get the job done quickly with as little drama as possible. However, it’s important to manage your exertion in extreme heat to prevent serious medical conditions.
Get started early – Peak heat is typically between 11 AM and 4 PM, so getting started at the crack of dawn can help to ensure you stay cool and safe for laborious work.
Have your team’s back – If you see someone that seems to be suffering from dehydration or heat exhaustion symptoms, step in and help them out. It’s easy to get so lost in a task that you’re not paying attention to your own health, and serious heat exhaustion systems can happen in the blink of an eye.
Try to eat smart – Eating a heavy meal can make you feel worse in the heat. Keep things reasonably light during the day.
Simply put, the amount of fluids each individual needs to stay well-hydrated varies from person to person. Often, though, folks will find that, universally, the amount of water they need to intake is much higher than they might think. Starting your day with plenty of water in the morning is a great way to get on the right track. However, it’s important to continuously drink water throughout the day, especially on days that are more physically demanding than others. Adding electrolyte substances like Liquid I.V., LMNT, or similar products to your water or drinking hydrating drinks like Gatorlyte or other sports drinks can be extremely helpful with hydration. However, consuming drinks with a lot of sugar can be counterproductive, so it’s best to use them in moderation and continue to drink water on its own throughout the day.
Here are some signs that indicated that you’re dehydrated:
Without proper hydration, you have a serious chance of developing heat exhaustion. If left unchecked, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. According to Emory Healthcare, heat stroke can cause organ systems to fail and leave with withe permanent brain damage or even lead to death. Heat stroke is a very serious and life-threatening medical condition. If you feel like you’re experiencing symptoms or heat exhaustion or think that a coworker may be, do not hesitate to speak up.
Even if you feel like you’ve been drinking plenty of water and electrolytes, there’s still a chance your body’s reserves of fluids and salt have been depleted. If someone is suffering from heat exhaustion, it’s important to rapidly get them into a cool and shaded place and get them water and electrolytes. Remove all unnecessary clothing including socks and shoes. The victim should take frequent but small sips of cool water to prevent vomiting, which will further dehydration. It can happen very quickly, and time is of the essence to prevent a heat stroke.
Signs of heat exhaustion:
If you suspect someone is suffering from a heat stroke, call for help immediately. Move them to a cool and shaded area. Placing cold, wet cloths or ice packs on the victim’s head, neck, armpits, and groin can help.
Here are symptoms of heat stroke to watch for:
Working construction during the summer can be extremely dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. So, whether you’re working on a small personal shop or garage project or you’re on a big crew of workers on commercial projects, stay safe, stay hydrated, and take care of yourself.
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