Working in hot steamy weather isn't fun for anyone. For construction workers, it can be simply brutal. Unless you're working in a nice, air-conditioned cab, there's little hope of being comfortable in oppressive heat, however, there are ways to avoid getting overheated.
The most obvious tip is to drink plenty of water. Doctors suggest workers drink at least every 30 minutes. The more work and sweat, the more someone should hydrate. Though fluids like Gatorade are good, there is no substitute for good ol' drinking water.
Avoid drinking coffee, soda, and certainly alcohol. These fluids will dehydrate you.
Don't jump right into a hot environment without getting used to the heat. Take it slow, decrease regular shift intervals until your body gets used to the heat. You'll soon get an idea of how much you can take, and how often you need to take a break to hydrate.
Wear the coolest clothes you can, and we're not talking about fashion here. Wear lighter colors as black absorbs heat, keep clothing loose, and wear clothes that breath and absorb moisture well. Sweating is a good thing. A wet shirt is going to keep you cooler.
Get work started as early as you can. As they day progresses, temperatures go up. Between 3pm and 6pm is when you can generally expect the highest temps.
Temperatures in the shade can be less than in the sun. Work in shade whenever possible. You may even be able to park equipment in a way to give you shade. When you're starting to feel fatigued and overheated, head for shade to take a break.
That sun is also dangerous for your skin. Apply sunscreen to protect your skin and reapply often as time passes.
Heat can be a serious health concern. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and take the steps to avoid getting overheated. Cramps, dizziness, headaches, extreme thirst, and clammy skin are all signs you could be in trouble. Get out of the sun to a cool place like the inside of vehicle with air conditioning. Douse yourself with cool water, take layers of clothing off including shoes and socks. Consider taking the rest of the day off, even if the boss accuses you of being a little baby.
There are also cooling devices on the market like cool vests that can help you keep your body temperature down. OSHA has a Heat Safety Tool mobile app that will help calculate the heat index and displays the risk level to workers.
For indoor work, have windows and doors open if possible, and have fans going to keep air flowing. If you are working indoors with no air conditioning, consider setting up some portable fans to increase air circulation and cool you off. There are also several personal cooling devices on the market like cooling vests or neck coolers that can help you beat the heat.
Because construction is a tough job, you and your co-workers may be tempted to try and outdo each other when it comes to worksite production. Be smart, not a hero. If you are feeling too hot, or you're noticing a coworker that's struggling, get out of the heat and cool down.
The CDC says 700 people die each year from the heat.
