By John Jakimowicz, Safety Director, Madison Concrete Construction
Summer arrived on a heat wave in the Delaware Valley, with the City of Philadelphia issuing a heat health emergency on June 20 that lasted through June 23. As we enter the hottest month of the year, current forecasts are showing a short break from the heat before returning to near-record temperatures on Independence Day and beyond. The heat index is expected to make it feel like we’re in the triple digits!
As the construction season also heats up, Madison Concrete works to educate crews on how incredibly important it is to recognize when hot weather conditions are affecting workers’ health and safety.
The Risks
Excessive heat intensifies existing health conditions—like asthma, kidney failure and heart disease—and can cause heat stroke and even death if not treated properly and promptly. Due to the nature of our industry, construction workers are among those at highest risk for heat illness or heat-related injuries (i.e., falls and cuts).
July also is Ultraviolet Safety Awareness Month—an annual reminder to protect your eyes and skin from the harmful rays of the sun. An estimated one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Prolonged exposure to UV rays not only increases the risk for skin cancer, but also can weaken the immune system.
Heat and UV Safety Tips
Quick tips to beat the heat and dangerous sun exposure begin with what to do before the workday begins. Here’s how to prep for your day:
Before heading to jobsites, apply sunscreen that’s at least 15 SPF (we recommend 30+). Ensure you have sunscreen on hand to reapply throughout the day.
Wear loose, lightweight, tight-weave clothes that cover exposed skin (try moisture-wicking or vented clothing to stay cooler).
Use wide-brimmed hats or hard hat accessories/helmet attachments as well as tinted safety glasses or sunglasses that block UV rays.
Stay hydrated and limit caffeine intake. Drink about 16 ounces of cool water before starting work (and at least 8 ounces every 20 minutes while working in the heat).
Eat smaller meals and choose fruit with high fiber and natural juices over high-protein foods.
Once on the jobsite, pace yourself. Avoid working in direct sunlight whenever possible and take frequent breaks in shady or air-conditioned areas. When feasible, schedule tasks requiring heavy labor to take place early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the midday sun and heat.
Heat Safety Resources
It’s important to know the signs of heat illness and what to do when somebody exhibits them. The General Building Contractors Association (GBCA) offers Heat Hazard Toolbox Talks intended for use in safety huddles. Several Toolbox Talks and fact sheets cover topics like “Water, Rest, Shade” strategies, descriptions of heat illness symptoms, prevention and first aid, how to check the heat index and guidance for using the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App.
Be safe out there! Take the necessary precautions as hot weather sets in, and don’t forget to use these tips at home—especially if you plan to attend outdoor 4th of July celebrations!
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