"The more temperatures rise, the more risk to workers’ health and safety also rises. At Accurate Personnel, we make sure that our employees stay informed about how they can beat the heat and stay healthy working in these conditions. Below are some essential tips for employees to use so they can maintain a safe work environment for themselves and others around them."
Staying Safe in the Heat of Summer
With National Safety Month falling in the heat of the summer, now is as good of a time as ever to stress the importance of working safely in the heat. The more temperatures rise, the more risk to workers’ health and safety also rises. At Accurate Personnel, we make sure that our employees stay informed about how they can beat the heat and stay healthy working in these conditions. Below are some essential tips for employees to use so they can maintain a safe work environment for themselves and others around them.
Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion
First and foremost, employees must know the signs of heat exhaustion. The most common symptoms are dizziness, rapid heart rate, nausea, and confusion. If an employee starts feeling any of these symptoms, they should immediately stop what they are doing, hydrate, and seek help from another employee.
While all employees must be watching for these symptoms in themselves, they must also keep an eye on those around them who are displaying these symptoms. A workplace where all employees are looking out for each other and willing to help should make that environment as safe and healthy as possible.
Hydration
One of, if not the most important way of preventing heat-related illness is hydration. The higher the temperature, the more fluids the body will be losing. Therefore, all employees must be drinking water constantly throughout the day even if they are not feeling thirsty.
The workplace should also have water available to all employees so they have access to as much water as they might need to stay hydrated.
Take Scheduled Breaks
In the heat, it is more likely that an employee will have health and safety issues due to overworking. In order to prevent overworking and suffering from heat exhaustion, breaks throughout the day in air-conditioned areas. It is important that these breaks are scheduled so employees don’t forget while they are hard at work. These breaks are also a great time for hydration.
Wear Proper Clothing
While working in the heat, it is essential that employees are wearing the proper clothing. The recommended clothing would be loose-fitting that is made out of a lightweight material. This should allow more air circulation, evaporation of sweat, and ultimately cooling down of the body.
Plan for the Worst
While workplaces and employees can do their best to prevent accidents from happening, it is nearly impossible to completely eliminate them from happening. Because of this, there must be plans in place in case of a heat-related health emergency. All employees have to be required to know the plan to prevent the bad from potentially getting even worse.
At Accurate Personnel, we constantly remind our staff of these tips to work towards creating the safest environment for our employees. If you are ready to make your workplace safer, give us a call today at 847-310-9100 to learn more about us and the values we pride ourselves on!
