Summer Safety Tips

Summer Safety Tips

To prevent heat-related issues while on the job site, follow these five simple safety tips:

  1. Hydrate Staying hydrated in the summer is important. Drink lots of fluids, especially water. Have a drink within your reach at all times on hot days. Invest in a reusable water bottle and write down a drinking schedule to help keep you hydrated, healthy, and alert.
  2. Eat Right When you’re working in the summer heat, avoid high-fat and greasy foods. Say no to things like hot dogs, ice cream, and creamy pasta salads. Choose lighter and more healthy options like whole grains, salads, fruits, and vegetables.
  3. Get Sleep Achieving deep REM sleep is harder to do in hot weather. Make it a goal to sleep at least eight hours each night. Stick to a regular sleep schedule, limit your smartphone use at night, and create a cool sleeping environment, as hot/humid air makes it tougher to catch the ZZZ’s.
  4. Avoid Air Conditioning Don’t expose yourself to extreme temperature swings. If you’re sweating from working outside, avoid going into a cold air-conditioned space. Your skin is more susceptible to drying out or getting irritated, and your natural defenses can be lowered, which puts you at greater risk of getting sick.
  5. Look Out for Heat Stress Know the signs of heat-related stress. Common symptoms include hot, dry skin; sweating; confusion or hallucinations; dizziness; and fever.