In addition to the inherent risks on construction sites, the sun poses challenges for the workforce. Here are some effective methods for construction workers to beat the heat.
(Photo : Unsplash/Ivan Henao )
1. Limit Exposure
Because of the rising temperatures, humidity, and sunshine, leaders should consider adjusting work and rest schedules and shortening work durations. To encourage workers to cool off during these breaks, leaders should provide cool, shaded, or air-conditioned locations for workers to relax and recover, such as trailers on the working site. Accordingly, they can cool off by immersing their hands and forearms in buckets of ice, set up throughout the work site as a body cooling station. Keeping periodic maintenance work scheduled for cooler seasons of the year and planning daily work during more excellent portions of the day to prevent temperatures at their highest is another method for reducing the amount of time spent in heated environments.
2. Acclimate
About 14 days is all it takes to get acclimatization, but it just takes a few days to lose it. Therefore, business executives and safety specialists ought to work on developing a strategy to acclimatize people to the conditions of the outside environment. At any time of the year, this strategy should consider the workload of any new worker without acclimatization. Moreover, an elaborate strategy should delineate the methods for overseeing newly hired personnel throughout this phase and ascertaining their complete orientation. When it comes to acclimatization, meticulous planning and adaptability are required, as each industry is unique.
3. Drink plenty of fluids
Although you've undoubtedly heard this advice a million times, hydrating is the simplest and most effective way to beat the heat. There is a good chance that you are already dehydrated if you wait until you feel thirsty before drinking fluids. Self-sustenance with cool water or a healthy beverage (no carbonated or alcoholic beverages) every hour during extreme temperatures could prolong your life.
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4. Eat properly
It is common knowledge that while people are outside in the heat, they need to drink fluids; nonetheless, some individuals fail to remember to eat. It is crucial to adhere to the principle of not skipping meals, despite the extreme heat that should never be an excuse to consume. Food is one of the ways that your body may recover from the stress caused by heated weather.
5. Dress for Success
Wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in light colors is recommended on construction sites. Cotton, made from natural fibers, is an excellent option for clothing since it is breathable and can absorb moisture. Clothes that can wick away moisture are another reasonable choice because it helps to remove sweat from your body. This makes it possible for your body to cool down more quickly, which is beneficial in more humid regions where sweat evaporation is more challenging.
6. Lather on the Sunscreen
Sunscreen is something that you should always use while you are working outside outside. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can reach you and produce sunburn, even when the sky is gloomy and overcast. Regular reapplication of a broad-spectrum sunscreen containing zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and avobenzone is advised when working outdoors. If you want to make sure that you don't lose all of your Sunscreen in the first few minutes of work, you should go for a sunscreen that is either completely sweat-proof or completely waterproof. Also, wearing a hat with a wide brim can protect you from the sun's potentially lethal rays.
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