When you work in the trades, getting fresh air is rarely a problem. But when the weather gets hot, the great outdoors might not be so great. Getting through the summer safely means you have to find ways to keep cool on the job. Here are six ideas to help keep you safe and comfortable, even when Mother Nature turns up the heat.
Hydrate!
We can’t stress this enough. When the temperatures rise and you start to sweat, your body can lose water at an alarming rate. Dehydration can lead to headaches, dizziness, or lightheadedness even in the early stages, which can be dangerous when you’re working with tools or high-up. Severe dehydration can result in rapid breathing, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, delirium, or even unconsciousness. Always keep plenty of water on hand and take regular water breaks. Remind your workers that they still need to hydrate even if they don’t feel thirsty. Consider keeping a supply of beverages with electrolytes (like Gatorade or similar drinks) available to replace what’s lost when your sweat.
Don’t Just Drink Water – Wear It
You can enjoy the effects of cool water on your skin as you work, thanks to cooling bands. These bands – which come in headband, neckband, and wristband styles – encase water-absorbing crystals. The wearer soaks the band in cool water, and then puts it on (no wringing required). As the water evaporates, it keeps the wearer cool and comfortable. Cooling bands can be reused over and over again, and they dry flat so they’re easy to take with you wherever you go. Need more cooling power? You can even purchase water-cooling vests for maximum heat relief.
Keep Things Light
Wear light-colored, breathable, loose-fitting clothes when possible. But make sure it doesn’t compromise your on-the-job safety. Look for cotton or mostly-cotton blends, which wick away sweat to help you keep cool on the job.
Be Sun Smart
If you work outside, don’t forget to wear sunscreen. You and your crew should apply sunscreen to all exposed areas, reapplying as needed. The American Academy of Dermatology offers guidelines on what type of sunscreen to use and how often to apply it. Remember, clothes don’t necessarily filter out all of the damaging effects of sunlight. If you’re in the sun all day, apply sunscreen even to areas that are covered by clothing, or invest in UV-resistant clothing. Don’t forget to top it off with a hat and UV-filtering eyewear.
Call in the Air Force
Bring portable, outdoor fans, air-conditioning units, and dehumidifiers to the jobsite, especially for areas where heavy work is being done or where surfaces can become extremely hot to the touch.
Commute in Comfort
Work vehicles can turn into an oven on wheels if they’re parked in the sun for extended periods of time. After a hard, hot day’s work, the last thing you want to do is drive home in even more heat. But cooling down all that open interior space takes time. One solution: Composite partitions from Adrian Steel. Not only do these partitions reduce noise and distractions as you drive, they make climate control in the cabin area a breeze.
Find out more about Adrian Steel’s partitions and storage systems by contacting us online or finding a distributor near you to get started!
Connect with Adrian Steel on Social Media for more industry tips and tricks!