Working in Hot Weather
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
at 11:39:31 AM Working in Hot Weather
The summer season can present unique hazards for those working outdoors in the hot weather. The combination of heat, humidity and physical labour can lead to a wide variety of heat-related illnesses. Proper protection and simple precautions can often prevent these types of illnesses and save lives.
How can heat related illnesses be prevented?
Employers have a duty to take every reasonable precaution to ensure the workplace is safe for the worker. This duty includes taking effective measures to protect workers from heat stress disorders if it is not reasonably practicable to control indoor conditions adequately, or where work is done outdoors. Workers are also responsible for ensuring their own health, safety, and well-being. Follow these simple tips to reduce your chances of a heat-related injury.
Drink water:
A person working in a hot environment loses water and salt through sweat. Plenty of cool drinking water should be available on the job site and workers should be encouraged to drink water every 15 to 20 minutes even if they do not feel thirsty.
Wear light, loose fitting clothing:
Wear light coloured, loose-fitting clothing that permits sweat evaporation but stops radiant heat.
Protect yourself from the sun:
Use sunscreen, wear a hat and use screens or umbrellas to create shaded areas.
Use fans or air conditioning:
Ventilation, localized air conditioning, and cooled observation booths are commonly used to provide cool workstations.
Allow flexibility:
Make sure to take regular, frequent breaks and permit less physically demanding activities during peak temperature periods. Rest periods in a cooler area can easily prevent or reduce heat-related illnesses.
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