The Heat is On: 7 Steps Construction Workers Can Take to Beat the Heat

THE HEAT IS ON 7 steps you can take to beat the heat Rising temperatures bring a major and often deadly hazard to Flatiron job sites-heat illness. Fortunately, heat-related incidents are easily preventable. Here are seven ways to beat the heat this summer. Drink 2 bottles of water Don't wait until you're thirsty every hour. The healthy human body is capable of high performance in tough conditions, but only when well hydrated. A recommended one quart of water per hour be available for every crew member If you are thirsty, your body is already a quart low. If you begin to feel thirsty, take five minutes to hydrate. Time spent replenishing will pay off in endurance throughout the day. 3 Watch out for each other Every employee should encourage water consumption and rest if needed. 4 Take special precautions with 46 new employees 80% New employees or those new to extreme climates like mountains or deserts, are highly vulnerable to the the employee's first OF HEAT ILLNESS OF HEAT ILLNESS cases occur within the first four days of employment cases occurred on heat. It takes two weeks for the day on the job body to adjust to these climates. 5 Provide shade or reschedule work Regular shade should be provided and used in hot conditions. If there is little or no opportunity for shade, schedule tasks in early morning or at night to prevent prolonged exposure to extreme heat. 6 Know the warning signs Heat stroke, a life threatening condition, occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The absence of sweat is an indicator the person is in danger. Other symptoms include: pale skin, high body temperature, slurring, rapid pulse, fainting or passing out, or unconsciousness. Heavy Sweating Muscle Fatigue Cramps Dizziness Headache Nasuea 7 Take action Providing shade, rest and cool water is often all that is needed to recover from overheating, but if a person shows any signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Report incidents to the safety department, because employees may require a medical evaluation, especially if they vomit or are light-headed. Infographic provided by FLATIRON flatironcorp.com