Protecting outdoor workers from the summer heat

Summer weather is here, and that means hot conditions for many outdoor maintenance workers. As technology continues to evolve, so do the tools that outdoor workers use to stay cool, safe, and productive. Maintenance managers often spend summer days in hot, humid weather, and some of the newer options available can help them avoid sunburns, heat stroke, dehydration, and more, as the temperatures rise.

Knowing about the latest trends, products, and practices can keep your outdoor employees safe and productive right through until fall.

Cooling clothing

Minimizing the risk of sunburns means mitigating direct contact with the sun’s rays. Workers should wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants in sun-resistant fabric, UV-rated sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat that covers the head, face, ears and neck. Sunblock is also necessary, even on cloudy days, to stay protected from UV rays, and regular reapplication is key.

Cooling vests, shirts with UV protection, jackets with built-in fans, cooling arm sleeves, and clothing that is activated in a cooler with water can help prevent workers from overheating, allowing them to work while providing protection from heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Hats and helmets

Most of our body heat is lost through our heads so it is important to choose the appropriate PPE. If your employees need to wear hard hats, there are versions that can help workers stay cool, with reflective technology keeping the inside of the hard hat fresh and comfortable for workers. Cooling towels and helmet liners that wick away moisture are also available to keep workers cool and dry.

Hydration

Spending prolonged time outdoors in the heat leaves workers with a high risk for dehydration, which is a major contributor to heat exhaustion, so staying hydrated is crucial.

Mandate that employees drink water before, after, and during work hours to limit the effects that dehydration can have on the body. When working in the heat, it is recommended that employees drink eight ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes, so a schedule needs to be created and followed for optimal results. Tools like hydration backpacks and water bottles with alarm reminders can help allows employees access to water at all times and can serve as a reminder to stay vigilant with their water intake.

Along with the proper PPE, consider scheduling and location when planning the next job. Schedule your outdoor tasks to avoid extra hot or humid days by keeping your eye on the weather and planning ahead. As well, set up shelters from the sun, set a rotating schedule, install fans where possible, and allow for regular breaks to optimize outdoor working conditions through the heat.

Outdoor maintenance staff work hard, so keep them safe, comfortable, and productive with today’s top options in gear.

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