The Summer Sweats – Staying Safe in the Heat of the Summer
When you’re sitting poolside, the summer heat is a real treat.
When you’re working in an unairconditioned warehouse or wearing personal protective equipment, however, the summer heat just causes the summer sweats.
If you work in certain professions or job conditions, the heat can really throw a wrench into your comfort, productivity and even safety. As the mercury rises, so does your risk of dehydration, heat stroke and other heat-related conditions – especially if you work outdoors or in an environment that’s not airconditioned.
Use these tips to stay safe on the job in the heat of the summer:
- Drink more water. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends drinking two to four glasses of cool liquids each hour when engaging in physical activity in the heat.
- Avoid caffeine. Energy drinks and other caffeinated beverages are popular options for getting a boost while on the job, but they also cause you to lose water (and dehydrate) more rapidly.
- Take breaks. Laborers, in particular, are at higher risk of developing heatstroke when the temperature and humidity rise. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends resting in the shade, or air conditioning if possible, to cool down. Taking more frequent breaks is also ideal, especially if you are new on the job and have not built a tolerance for working in hot conditions.
- Wear the right attire. Many employers, particularly those who employ people who must work in the heat, have summer dress codes to promote comfort and safety when things heat up. Check with your assignment supervisor to see what options you have.
- Know the signs and stages of heat-related illness. If you’re overheating, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illness before serious problems occur. OSHA identifies the following four stages: heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If you show any of the signs of these conditions, notify your supervisor immediately.
Common-sense precautions such as these can go a long way toward keeping you more comfortable, productive and safe this summer.
Looking for a great summer job?
Summer is the busiest season for many employers – which means they need to fill seasonal and temporary positions. If you’re looking to earn money over summer break, gain job experience and still keep your schedule flexible, a temporary assignment with PrideStaff may be just what you’re looking for. In this earlier post, “Finding a Great Summer Job,” we explain the advantages we offer:
- Get to work quickly. When you apply with us, you will have immediate access to a wide range of employment opportunities (including job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere).
- Keep your schedule flexible. Unlike a traditional 40-hour job, temporary work affords you greater control over your schedule.
- Skip the guilt. When you work through a national staffing agency like PrideStaff, you can choose assignments with a definitive end-date. This way, when your schedule changes at the end of the summer, you won’t experience any guilt over having to quit a job and leave an employer “high and dry.”
What can PrideStaff do for you? Contact your local recruiter today. Try our online job search today!
