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In a country with such unpredictable weather, the sun shining and temperatures rising is warmly welcomed by those who love a hot summer. However, despite nice weather being a big morale boost for many, it can be a considerable danger to those whose work takes place outdoors, exposing them to illnesses such as heat stress and/or heat stroke; the most serious heat related illness where the body fails to control its temperature. In our latest blog, we explore 8 effective ways you can beat the heat and remain safe when working outside.
Drinking water may seem too obvious to be our first tip, but that’s because it’s without a doubt one of the most important things you can do when working in hot weather. Due to the high temperatures and the nature of your job, you will be losing a lot more fluids than usual via sweating. These fluids will need replacing, meaning drinking more water is essential. Even if you feel like you do not need a drink, during hot weather, drinking water around every 20 minutes is highly recommended.
According to the NHS, you should be drinking 1.2 litres of water a day which roughly equates to 6-8 glasses. However, for those working in heat, this amount is likely to be considerably more. Despite the temptation, drinks such as tea, coffee or alcohol should be avoided as they could have the opposite effect and induce illnesses such as heat stress.
For individuals in managerial or supervisory positions, coming up with a strategy for dealing with the warm weather is essential. Make sure you are monitoring the weather forecast and any weather warnings issued by organisations like the Met Office so that you can identify the days when employees will need extra breaks or the site may need to close for the day.
Workers should always have access to covered spaces on construction sites since working outside exposes them to the sun. Water consumption is one thing, but shade is necessary to truly cool off. The ideal scenario would be for workers to have access to an air-conditioned room or interior space, but because this is not always feasible, the next best alternative is a pop-up canopy, gazebo, or tent that will give enough shade for staff to take a break in.
Taking frequent breaks, drinking more water, and having access to shaded locations are all connected. When working in the heat, it is crucial that employees be able to take regular breaks to cool off and rehydrate. Even under the best of conditions, construction work can be physically demanding, so high temperatures only make things worse. Short, shaded rests not only allow people to cool off but also benefit the company as workers are considerably more likely to function well after a sufficient water break before resuming work.
People deal with hot weather differently. While some people enjoy it, others could find it difficult to handle. It's crucial to take care of yourself while working outside in the heat, as well as keeping an eye on your surroundings. Heat stroke can occasionally be fatal, and there is a much better possibility of seeing a problem early and having it dealt with properly if you understand and are aware of the warning signals in yourself and others.
It may not always be possible to change the hours of operation, but if it is, doing so is a fantastic approach to help employees work efficiently and keep their composure while doing demanding jobs in the heat. If feasible, harder, heavier tasks should be started earlier in the day before it gets too hot. When a project is anticipated to take a longer period of time and hot weather is predicted, try to ease staff into the work in order to allow themselves to acclimatise to the unexpected heat.
Clothing may be a challenge for anyone working outside in hot weather in places like construction sites. Environments such as construction sites have several potential hazards that call for protective clothing that can get hot. When and where appropriate, try to wear lightweight, light-coloured clothes to prevent being too hot.
While many people may view basking in the sun and catching a tan as a luxury, those who work outside are left exposed and at risk of skin damage, including sunburn, blistering, and skin ageing, as well as long-term consequences including increased risk of skin cancer. It’s vital that those who work outside must take great care to protect themselves from the sun by using sunscreen and sun block, among other protective goods. Due to the sun's UV rays bouncing off surfaces, people do not necessarily need to be in direct sunlight to get a sunburn; hence, it is still possible to burn while in shaded locations. Hats and other headwear can also help protect your face if your jobs allows you to do so.
So, if your job requires you to work outside, make sure you take every precaution to keep yourself, colleagues and staff safe at all times, and ultimately, no job is worth more than the safety of yourself and others around you.
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