Summer is here and in certain parts of the world temperatures are going up. Europe’s recent heat wave has left a lot of people dead and sick. Construction sites are vulnerable because construction workers are at risk of suffering from heat-related diseases.
That’s right, rising temperatures this summer put construction workers at risk of heat related illnesses at the construction site. Workers are at risk of developing serious illnesses due to heat at the construction sites emanating from both the weather and the machines.
Prolonged exposure to this heat due to long hours in addition to humidity can cause serious problems(and even cases of fatalities due to heatstroke) at construction sites. The 2022 FIFA World Cup will be held in Qatar this year and its preparations were marred by such concerns.
Beating the heat with proven tips to help workers during summers at work
The risk is higher for workers at construction sites involving use of equipment that emits more heat than usual. Those who are working in roofing, road construction or carrying out interior works on buildings having no air conditioning and bad ventilation.
To help with dispute avoidance regarding working conditions in hot weather, here are some tips which can help construction workers beat the heat at worksites and construction sites
Regular Hydration
Everyone should be drinking water or other regular fluids after each 15 to 20 minutes. Cool water is best in this matter. Additional drinks like Coconut water, Powerade, Gatorade and Pineapple juice are also good for restoring electrolytes. Fresh fruit juices are also another good option.
Coffee, Sodas and alcohol contain diuretics, and will cause workers to be dehydrated. Some of the symptoms of dehydration are increased thirst, dry mouth, swollen tongue, lack of perspiration, weakness, dizziness and decreased urine output. Those who experience any of these symptoms should immediately take a break and rehydrate.
Getting acclimated to the situation
This applies mainly to new workers and to those workers who were out of work because of either illness or vacation, for a certain period of time. To acclimatize to the situation, Workers must begin completing half their normal workload and gradually completing up to 100% work over the course of the next five to seven days.
This will help their bodies adjust to the temperatures whilst doing strenuous work. Those working in Africa and the Middle East can as well as Tropical areas can relate well.
Dressing up accordingly
In such a case, no one is referring to workers dressing up in tuxedos. Lightweight, loose-fitting and light colored clothing helps reflect off sunlight and with the needed ventilation too. Natural fiber, like cotton, is indeed a good choice as it is breathable and absorbs moisture quite well.
Clothing that wicks away moisture comes in quite handy. It is also a smart option as it draws the perspiration off the body, which hence allows the body to cool quickly. It is also helpful in humid tropical climates where evaporation of perspiration is difficult.
Obtaining an early start
The air temperature often peaks between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The earlier workers start their day in the summers, the better off they are. This is held true if they can either finish work or spend some time working before the warmest hours of the day begin.
Taking breaks in areas with shade
Taking regular breaks in areas providing a good amount of shade is an important step to avoid illnesses related to heat and hot weather in the summers. Whenever workers feel like they are tired or overheating, they can take a short break, of approximately five minutes, in an area providing a wholesome amount of shade.
This is also a good time to refresh themselves with some snacks and nice refreshing drinks. A lot of construction claims cases involve instances where workers weren’t provided an adequate amount of resources.
Using sunscreen
Those who are working outdoors need to use sunscreen. Even on cloudy and overcast days, UV (ultraviolet) rays can cause sunburn. Those who are working outside should often reapply with a wide spectrum sunscreen which has zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or avobenzone (or all of them). Sweat proof and water proof sunscreen works quite well.
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