International
Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) urges outdoor workers to stay hydrated
to help prevent dehydration, the primary cause of heat exhaustion and cramps.
Taking breaks to cool down, ISEA says, as well as wearing protective gear, can
help reduce heat-related illnesses.
“When high heat environments are unavoidable, certain types
of PPE can be incorporated as preventive measures,” says ISEA president Daniel
Shipp. “ISEA encourages employers to stay current on cooling products and
prevention of heat stress to enable employees to protect themselves in these
situations.”
ISEA recommends that outdoor workers follow several tips to stay
safe:
- Use cooling vests and other cooling clothing or accessories to help keep overall body temperature at a moderate level.
- Wear broad-brimmed hats and lightweight clothing to reduce direct sun exposure.
- Wear lightweight, sweat-wicking, fast-drying clothes. Sweat adds an insulating layer to the skin, causing the body to work even harder to stay cool.
- Use OSHA’s Heat Safety Tool smartphone app.
