Workers' insurance: Tips for safety while working in the heat

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Workers' insurance review 2024

While working in hot conditions, you must follow safety procedures to avoid heat-related illnesses. Whether you spend your time in a hot indoor environment or work in hot conditions, understanding how to deal with heat can be vital to keeping you safe.

According to occupational safety and health standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the US Department of Labor, its report indicates that 50 to 70% of outdoor deaths occur in the first days of work in warm or hot environments as a result of the body needing a period to build its capacity. Gradually withstand temperatures.

It is good that with good preparation and effective supervision, the risk of exposure to heat cramps, heat exhaustion and other diseases can be reduced whether you work outdoors during the summer or are constantly exposed to heat in the work environment, so it is recommended to follow these seven tips to deal with hot conditions effectively.

1. Stay hydrated

Always keep cool water on hand when doing outdoor activities. OSHA recommends drinking one liter of water every hour, divided into about 8 ounces every 15-20 minutes.

Although it is important to drink sufficient amounts of water while working in hot conditions, there are other aspects that must be taken into consideration. Therefore, make sure to drink sufficient amounts of water before entering the hot work environment, and continue to hydrate while working. It is also recommended to eat regularly to compensate. Salts that your body loses during sweating.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stresses the need to avoid drinking energy drinks and alcohol to avoid the risk of heat exhaustion. Energy drinks usually contain high levels of caffeine, which may negatively affect your heart health. The Center also indicates that consuming alcohol can increase the risk of heart disease. Heat illness causes dehydration.

2. Eat to fuel your day

Be mindful and mindful of your food intake throughout the day and understand how it can affect your body while working in heat conditions. You may find better rest eating several small meals throughout the day rather than sticking to traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals, so reach out to your health care provider. If you take medications and work for long periods of time in the sun, you may be at greater risk for skin allergies or other conditions associated with high temperatures.

3. Take regular breaks

Rest is extremely important while working in hot conditions, so be sure to take frequent breaks, whether in the shade or in an air-conditioned place, to reduce your body temperature. Use these periods to hydrate and eat snacks as well.

4. Take time to adjust

Adaptation is the process of developing heat tolerance, and when you spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer or spend time in a hot environment, your body will gradually get used to it.

For outdoor jobs such as construction, farming, roofing, landscaping, and mail and package delivery, if there is a significant change in temperature, workers should reduce the time they spend outdoors in half and then slowly increase their workload over the next three days, until they return to a normal schedule. Normal work by the fourth day.

If you work for long periods of time in your garden to complete projects like gardening or landscaping, these same methods will help you avoid heat exhaustion and dehydration.

5. Protect your skin

Depending on your type of outdoor work, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing if possible. Many outdoor workers may be required to wear specific clothing for protection. Although light clothing can provide protection from heat-related illness, it is preferable to wear these items. Only if it is safe on the job site.

If it's safe to do so, it may be a good idea to consider wearing clothing with UPF protection to protect your skin from UV rays.

Using a sunscreen with an SPF can help protect your skin from UV rays for long periods in the sun.

6. Weather monitoring

If you plan to work outdoors or manage workers who work in this context, be sure to follow weather updates and read the real-time heat index so check these two items to help prepare for your time outdoors and plan for breaks.

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7. Use the buddy system

Working outdoors with your partner contributes to ensuring everyone’s safety and provides an opportunity to get quick help if any signs of illness associated with high temperatures appear. These signs may include (headache, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, nausea, vomiting, fainting, and seizures). If you notice any of these symptoms in a colleague, call 911 immediately to get medical help.