Whether you work out on the oil fields, on roofs, on roads, or on industrial and residential complexes, we know how demanding construction work is. It’s even more challenging and intensive in 80-90ºF weather with the sun scorching down on you. Working construction in sweltering heat poses risks of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and just fatigue in general. Here are some summer tips for our beloved hard-working construction workers to stay safe and healthy out on the field!
Watch for Signs of Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion
A heat stroke is when your body overheats and isn’t capable of regulating temperatures back to normal. Heat exhaustion is similar to a heat stroke with less severe symptoms but it can easily develop into one.
Symptoms that may indicate heatstroke include:
- an extremely high body temperature of over 103°F.
- confusion, agitation, slurred speech and delirium.
- change in sweating patterns.
- vomiting and nausea.
- red skin.
- rapid heart rate.
- headaches.
Symptoms that may indicate heat exhaustion include:
- cool skin with goosebumps despite the heat.
- intense sweating.
- fainting, dizziness and fatigue.
- rapid, weak pulse.
- low blood pressure.
- muscle cramps.
- nausea.
- headaches.
It’s important to look out for these symptoms for yourself and for your teammates. TheOccupational Safety and Health Administrationaccentuates three main components to preventing heat stroke and exhaustion:
- Water.
- Rest.
- Shade.
Avoid Going In and Out of Air Conditioned Climates
Although getting water, rest, and shade is a no-brainer for staying safe from the heat, you may be tempted to take shelter in air conditioned buildings during your breaks. However, it can be dangerous for your body to frequently go from one extreme temperature to the opposite extreme as it can lead toshock for your bodyas it rapidly tries to adjust to drastic temperature shifts. It is recommended to seek refuge in the shade instead.
Protect Your Head and Neck from the Sweltering Heat
The head and neck play a huge role in body heat-regulation so it’s essential to keep them covered and protected from direct sunlight exposure. Make sure to wear your hard hat and aneck vizor that has a “moisture wicking component”at all times.
Food Safety for Construction Workers
Something that isn’t usually touched upon in occupational safety is food safety . Many construction workers struggle to find efficient ways to heat up their food while out on the field. We’ve seen all sorts of crazy “solutions” such as leaving packed lunches next to radiators, on the dashboard of cars, or on hot pavement directly under the sun’s rays in the hopes of heating up a meal. However, these precarious methods are NOT safe. TheUSDAstates that bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40-140°F, doubling in number as little as 20 minutes. And if the temperature is above 90°F, food should not be left out for more than 1 hour. So what do you do with your food when you’re out on the field for the whole day with no access to refrigerators and microwaves? You’ve got it. LunchEAZE is here at your rescue!
LunchEAZE: The Solution for Hot Meals for Construction Workers
LunchEAZE is a cordless, automatic, heated lunch box that finally solves the problem of food health and food safety for construction workers. This is the only heated lunch box that will heat your food automatically at your designated lunch time up to 220°F with no plugs or electricity needed. LunchEAZE is completely safe to leave in hot cars during the day and even includes an insulated lunch bag so you can pack your food in with ice packs before heating starts at your desired time. This unique lunch box can truly change construction workers’ lives!