Keeping cool can be tough in hot weather, especially for workers required to wear heavy flame-resistant and protective equipment on the job.
With summer months approaching, maintaining balance between safety and comfort is already becoming more difficult.
Keeping cool can be tough in hot weather, especially for workers required to wear heavy flame-resistant and protective equipment on the job.
To help, TECGEN FR has developed a list of five tips to help workers stay safe and comfortable all year long.
- Know your limits - Everyone is different. Understand what your body is capable of and don't push yourself too hard on the job. Carnegie Mellon recommends that workers get acclimatized slowly to warmer working conditions.
- Stay hydrated - Make sure to keep plenty of water on-site to avoid dehydration. In fact, the Texas Department of Insurance recommends encouraging employees to drink one cup every 15 to 20 minutes.
- Take breaks - Even a short 15-minute break can help rejuvenate the body and get you back on track for a productive day. According to the NC Department of Labor, workers should take frequent breaks in areas cooler than the work environment.
- Choose proper attire - The CDC recommends wearing "light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing" to avoid trapping in excess heat.
- Educate yourself and your employees - Be sure to understand the risks of overheating on the job. Heat-stress can result in injury, illness and even death. OSHA suggests providing information on "health effects of heat, the symptoms of heat illness, how and when to respond to symptoms, and how to prevent illness."