I remember laughing out loud at that Foghorn Leghorn line, “I say, I say it’s hotter than a fireman’s sweatband…”
But when it comes to working outside in the blazing heat this summer, it’s no laughing matter…and it can actually be a very dangerous proposition.
An article on the website www.constructiondive.com told of two construction workers in Texas who died from heat-related illnesses in July. A 53-year-old road worker in Houston died from hyperthermia. And a 25-year-old residential construction crewmember died near Fort Worth from heat stroke.
- Drinking water at a temperature of 50 to 60 degrees should be abundantly available on every job site. OSHA suggests supplying disposable cups in convenient locations close to the job site.
- Anyone who works outside should drink four cups of water every hour when the heat index is 103 degrees or higher — when there is a high risk for heat-related illness.
- Workers should avoid soda, alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as they can lead to dehydration, even if they quench thirst.
- Employers should supply sunscreen for workers to wear, and remind them to apply it often.
- When the heat index rises to 103 degrees, crew supervisors should take additional measures to protect workers, including extra, required rest breaks, fewer strenuous tasks and lots of reminders about drinking water. The heaviest tasks should be scheduled for early morning.
- At the start of every hot day, supervisors should warn their workers about the dangers of overdoing it in the heat; how to protect themselves; and what to do if they or their co-workers display symptoms of heat stroke or exhaustion. In addition, every worker should know how to give clear directions to the job site in case someone has to call 911.
- At least one person on each job site should be especially knowledgeable about heat-related illnesses and know how to help someone in need.
- Designate shady spaces for breaks, and set up shade canopies over work areas where possible. Move as many jobs as possible to shady spots.
- Rotate workers so each one does a combination of lighter and heavy tasks and no one does constant, strenuous work in the heat.
- Assign each worker a buddy who will keep an eye out for symptoms of heat-related illness.
Sharon O’Malley’s article is worth paying close attention to. Not only does she write about what some construction workers are doing to keep cool and protect themselves from heat-related illnesses, she also explains what those illnesses are, including a quick primer on what to do with someone suffering from heat stroke or hyperthermia.
There’s even a section that discusses a new smartphone app from OSHA and the agency’s annual campaign slogan, “Water. Rest. Shade. The work can’t get done without them!”
My favorite part of the article was OSHA’s specific recommendations for working in extreme heat:
- Drinking water at a temperature of 50 to 60 degrees should be abundantly available on every job site. OSHA suggests supplying disposable cups in convenient locations close to the job site.
- Anyone who works outside should drink four cups of water every hour when the heat index is 103 degrees or higher — when there is a high risk for heat-related illness.
- Workers should avoid soda, alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as they can lead to dehydration, even if they quench thirst.
- Employers should supply sunscreen for workers to wear, and remind them to apply it often.
- When the heat index rises to 103 degrees, crew supervisors should take additional measures to protect workers, including extra, required rest breaks, fewer strenuous tasks and lots of reminders about drinking water. The heaviest tasks should be scheduled for early morning.
- At the start of every hot day, supervisors should warn their workers about the dangers of overdoing it in the heat; how to protect themselves; and what to do if they or their co-workers display symptoms of heat stroke or exhaustion. In addition, every worker should know how to give clear directions to the job site in case someone has to call 911.
- At least one person on each job site should be especially knowledgeable about heat-related illnesses and know how to help someone in need.
- Designate shady spaces for breaks, and set up shade canopies over work areas where possible. Move as many jobs as possible to shady spots.
- Rotate workers so each one does a combination of lighter and heavy tasks and no one does constant, strenuous work in the heat.
- Assign each worker a buddy who will keep an eye out for symptoms of heat-related illness.
O’Malley’s article can be found here.
OSHA’s protective measures web page can be found here.
And OSHA’s Heat Safety Tool smart phone app can be found here.
