Knowing how to keep cool at work in outdoor environments can, quite literally, save your life. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 37 workers died from exposure to environmental heat in 2015, and 2,830 employees had to take time off work due to heat-related illness. Construction workers are most at risk: a third of all annual workplace heat-related deaths occur in the construction industry. In addition to the heat-related illness itself, symptoms of heat illness, such as dizziness and disorientation, increase the risk of falls and equipment accidents.
Understanding how to stay cool in hot weather while working outside isn’t difficult but does require the cooperation of employers and employees. Carefully timed work shifts, frequent breaks, and access to shade and water are necessary. Below are some tips to help keep cool outside when summer temperatures soar.
How to Avoid Dehydration
Sweat robs the body of electrolytes, which water does not replace. This can lead to dehydration, even when water is being consumed. Dehydration increases the risk of heat-related illness. Drinking electrolyte-balanced sports drinks and water together is the best way to remain hydrated in hot weather.
When discussing how to avoid dehydration, the question of recommended water intake invariably comes up. Recommended water intake isn't an exact science--your personal tolerance to heat, weight, and other factors determine how much water you need to remain hydrated. The best strategy is to drink small amounts of water frequently, rather than large amounts with long intervals between drinks.
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Timing Work Schedules
Avoiding work during the hottest time of day is the easiest way to prevent heat-related illness at work. During periods of intense heat, it may be safest to have employees work in the early morning, take the afternoon off, and return to work in the early evening as temperatures fall to less dangerous levels.
If breaking up the workday is not an option, employees should take frequent breaks from strenuous activity, resting in shady areas with access to cool water and sports drinks. During the hottest temperatures, breaks with water are recommended every 15 minutes. Employees can also rotate between strenuous tasks and lighter work throughout the day.
New workers are more likely to develop heat cramps and other forms of heat-related illness, as they have not had time to acclimate to workplace temperatures. Even experienced employees may need a few days to acclimate in early summer as temperatures begin to rise.
Dressing for the Heat
The right work clothes are an important factor when considering how to keep cool at work. Lightweight, light-colored clothing that allows for airflow between fabric and skin are recommended. Athletic garments with moisture-wicking technology helps keep the body dry and cool, as do wide-brimmed hats with neck protectors and cooling bandanas. Examples of hot weather workwear include:
Know the Signs of Heat Stress
Even once you know how to stay cool in hot weather while working outside, it’s still possible to overheat. Knowing how to identify and treat the signs of heat stress can stop heat-related illness in its earliest stages.
Heat cramps are often the first sign of overheating. Characterized by involuntary muscle spasms, heat cramps are best treated by taking a work break and hydrating in a cool location.
Heat exhaustion is a more serious illness and can cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, and a rapid, weak pulse. The skin feels cool or clammy during an episode of heat illness, and the affected individual sweats profusely. Affected individuals should not work for the remainder of the day. They should immediately be relocated to a cool place where they can rest, rehydrate, and be monitored for signs of heat stroke.
Heat stroke is the most serious of heat-related illnesses. Like heat exhaustion, heat stroke can cause nausea and vomiting. The skin may be red, hot, and dry, and the body stops sweating. The pulse is rapid, and the affected person may lose consciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Left untreated, it can result in coma or death. Call 911 immediately, and take what steps you can to cool the affected individual until help arrives.