The intense summer heat will be here before we know it, and learning valuable tips on how to avoid heat related work injuries should be a priority. Employers should enforce certain safety precautions in order to ensure their employees do not suffer from heat exhaustion or strokes. However, this isn’t always the case.
Every year thousands of American workers suffer from heat related injuries. In many cases, injury could have been avoided had the employer and employee taken more serious precaution. The Mayo Clinic gives several excellent tips for working in high heat conditions.
- Drink plenty of water or rehydration drinks while you work.
- Take breaks in the shade when possible.
- Try to work during the least hot parts of the day such as early morning or late evening. (From 10 am to 4pm is the hottest part of the day.)
- Cool your skin by spraying water on your body.
- Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing that allows your skin to breathe. Also, wear a hat of some sort to protect your face and neck area.
- Flex your leg muscles often. This can prevent blood from pooling into your lower legs and causing you to faint.
If you’ve experienced a heat related injury due to extreme sun exposure and lack of protection, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation.
To learn more about what to do when you have experienced a work related injury, read: 4 Important Steps to Take After a Work Injury.
