U-TECK, a developer of specialized products for the telecommunications, utility, municipal and transportation industries, offers five summer workplace safety tips--from beating the heat to protecting against nature’s field hazards.
- Recognize common heat stress disorders. BLS reports that 4,190 workers suffered from heat illness and 40 died from heat stroke and related causes in 2010. Workers need to understand the symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
- Stay hydrated. It's recommended that outdoor workers drink 6 to 12 oz of water every 15 to 20 minutes and avoid eating heavy or hot meals.
- Wear the right clothing. Wear lightweight clothing such as cotton or loose weave, and avoid dark colors that absorb the sun’s rays. Wear a hat or hardhat for additional protection, and don’t forget high-visibility work wear--gear made of polyester mesh is best for hot conditions.
- Make some shade. When working outside, umbrellas and tents provide an economical method of safeguarding workers from the elements and the hot sun. Workers should take frequent breaks in the shade when possible.
- Beware of nature’s field hazards. Ticks, fire ants and plants such as poison ivy and poison oak pose viable safety and health risks to outdoor workers. Workers should be familiar with these hazards (What does a deer tick look like? How many leaves does poison ivy have?), symptoms of exposure and a worksite’s surroundings. Preventive measures including keeping grass cut short or installing vegetation control matting around electrical pedestals to discourage fire ants.
Find OSHA's topic page on heat stress
here and NIOSH's heat stress topic page
here. OSHA also offers the free mobile app,
Heat Safety Tool.
