As temperatures rise this time of year, it's crucial for employers to take proactive steps to ensure the safety and comfort of employees working in non-climate-controlled environments.
High heat can lead to serious health issues, and employers have a responsibility to mitigate these risks.
Here are our key tips to keep your workforce safe and cool.
Ensure Hydration
Provide accessible water stations and encourage regular hydration. Consider electrolyte drinks to help replenish lost nutrients.
Simple reminders that encourage employees to drink water over sugary drinks and caffeine can help prevent injury or illness.
Regulate Frequent Breaks
Implement mandatory break schedules at least every two hours, especially during peak heat hours. Provide designated shaded or cool rest areas to allow employees to recover from the heat.
Try to schedule the most physically demanding tasks during the cooler early morning or late evening hours. While this can be difficult, it can improve productivity and the time required to complete demanding tasks.
Promote or Provide Appropriate Gear
Encourage employees to wear light, breathable clothing. For outdoor roles like construction, encourage employees to wear sun hats, baseball caps, or other coverings to keep them cool. Supplying cooling gear like moisture towels and vests to help lower body temperatures is another great option.
You can also improve ventilation with portable fans and open windows or doors where possible. Ensure good airflow to help reduce heat buildup in work areas.
Educate on Heat Illness
Train employees to recognize signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Ensure everyone knows the protocol for responding to heat-related emergencies.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
Heat stroke is more severe and can include:
- High body temperature
- Confusion
- Rapid pulse
- Unconsciousness
We recommend posting reminders throughout the work area that describe the symptoms of heat-related illness so employees can be reminded constantly.
Monitor Work Conditions
Regularly check the temperature and humidity levels in the workplace. Use this information to create a designated heat work plan.
Conducting a pre-shift meeting to review high heat procedures, encouraging employees to drink plenty of water and to take cool-down rest breaks every two hours (and/or whenever they feel the need to do so), and limiting strenuous tasks to morning or late afternoon should all be part of the outdoor work plan.
By following these guidelines, employers can create a safer, more comfortable working environment during the sweltering summer months. Prioritizing your employees' health and safety not only complies with OSHA requirements but also fosters a more productive and motivated workforce.
For tailored staffing solutions and expert advice on workplace safety, contact Performance Staffing Solutions today. Your employees deserve the best care this summer!
