{"id":321981,"date":"2024-07-15T13:08:06","date_gmt":"2024-07-15T17:08:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lgcassociates.com\/?p=321981"},"modified":"2024-07-15T13:08:06","modified_gmt":"2024-07-15T17:08:06","slug":"summer-heat-safety-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lgcassociates.com\/es\/summer-heat-safety-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know About Summer Heat Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"

Being outside in the summer is a great way to bask in the sunshine and warm temperatures, but when the heat gets to be too high, it can become dangerous. If you\u2019re working outside this summer, we want to make sure you\u2019re staying safe while earning that money!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are 5 heat safety tips for you to keep cool in those blazing temperatures.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Heat Safety Tip #1: Stay Hydrated, Always.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

Water. Water. Water. Not only should you stick to only drinking water on site, but drink it often. Your body loses approximately <\/span>500mL of water<\/span><\/a> per hour when not in extreme heat conditions. In high temperatures, that number can increase to as much as <\/span>1.5 quarts of water<\/span><\/a> per hour. In order to keep up with how much water your body is losing, naturally, you should be drinking just as much as you are losing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bring a refillable bottle of cold water with you to work and make sure there is a place to refill it. Try to avoid drinking <\/span>caffeinated drinks<\/span><\/a> such as coffee, energy drinks, soda, and tea. Caffeine is a stimulant that can drive you towards dehydration quicker than normal, so try to avoid it as much as you can. Drinks that replenish your electrolyte levels such as Gatorade are okay in moderation, but the best way to avoid dehydration is water.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Heat Safety Tip #2: Dress for the Weather<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

In extreme heat, you\u2019re going to be warm all day no matter what you wear, but keeping your clothing lightweight will allow for airflow. When your body starts to overheat, the pores on your skin need space for the sweat to evaporate. Wearing light, airy fabrics such as <\/span>linen, silk, or cotton<\/span><\/a> are the most breathable materials while allowing you to stay comfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider also the color of your clothing. Wearing lighter colors allows for the sun to reflect instead of absorb into your clothing. If you\u2019ve ever worn a black shirt and felt really hot, it\u2019s because dark colors absorb more wavelengths of light.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other things to consider are wearing a hat or visor, bringing sunglasses to protect your eyes, and bringing a handheld fan. If you are going to be standing for long periods of time in the sun, consider bringing a portable fan to keep cool while you wait.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Heat Safety Tip #3: Wear Sunscreen and Reapply Often<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

When the <\/span>UV index<\/span><\/a> is above a 5, you should take more precautions if you\u2019re going to be out in the sun. Sunscreen will keep your skin protected when the sun\u2019s rays are more intense. Not wearing sunscreen has 2 major implications:<\/span><\/p>\n

Sunburns<\/i><\/strong><\/h5>\n

Caused by too much exposure to the sun, creating red, blotchy, skin patches that are hot and painful to the touch. While they disappear rather quickly and can be treated with topical products such as aloe vera, they can increase the risk of skin cancer in the long term.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sun poisoning<\/i><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h5>\n

An extreme version of a sunburn that usually includes symptoms such as: fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, severe redness or pain, and dizziness.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a rule of thumb, when the UV index is a 5 or higher, use a higher sun protection factor (SPF) level such as 50 or 100 to block <\/span>98-99%<\/span><\/a> of the sun\u2019s rays. Make sure to reapply every few hours for the best protection. If you have fair skin, reapply sunscreen more frequently.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Heat Safety Tip #4: Take Breaks in Shaded or Air Conditioned Areas<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

As much as you can, try to find an air-conditioned place where you can take a break and get some water. If air conditioning isn\u2019t an option, a covered, shaded area will work as well. While working outside, you are more prone to exhaustion, so taking frequent breaks is important to keeping yourself safe.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Heat Safety Tip #5: Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

A heat wave is everyone\u2019s problem, so we need to take care of each other and know the signs that a coworker might be in danger.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Heat stroke<\/i><\/strong><\/h5>\n

Occurs when the body reaches dangerous temperatures and no longer produces sweat.\u00a0 <\/span>Look out for:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n