Protect Yourself From Summer Sun
 It’s that time of year again when temperatures soar
and work picks up. Each year many construction workers become
ill or die due to heat stress. Don’t become a statistic —protect
yourself this summer.
According to the Center to Protect Workers’Rights’Hazard
Alert “Heat Stress in Construction,”becoming
over-heated can increase your chances of injury and result
in:
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Dehydration |
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Cramps |
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Heat exhaustion and fainting |
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Heat stroke, which can kill you. |
The following are types of
ergonomics changes:
- Drink plenty of water all day (don’t wait
until you feel thirsty) —CPWR recommends
drinking a cup of water (5 to 7 ounces) every 15
minutes
- Take rests in cool, shady spots
- Try to do the heaviest work in the coolest time
of the day
- Work in the shade if possible.
Source:
AFL-CIO Safety & Health Department
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If you think someone working with you has heat stroke, don’t
wait —call for help, move the person to the shade,
loosen his/her clothes, wipe his/her face with cool water,
and fan the person.
Also remember to use sunscreen —it’s
a simple way to protect against skin cancer.
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