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August 11, 2005

Construction Industry Spotlight: Summer puts the heat on worker safety

  • Contractors need to know the signs of heat exhaustion and how to prevent it.
    • By JOHN C. RYAN
    Journal Staff Reporter

    The dog days of summer add one more hazard to the long list of safety concerns at any construction site. Heat-related illnesses can easily take out workers if proper precautions aren't taken.

    How to keep your cool
    • Drink plenty of water or electrolyte drinks, even when not thirsty.

    • Try to do the heaviest work during the cooler parts of the day.

    • Adapt the pace of work to the heat — take more breaks, go slower when possible.

    • Slowly build up a tolerance to the heat and your work.

    • Wear loose, light-colored breathable clothing and a hat.

    • Take regular shade breaks.

    • Avoid alcohol or drinks with caffeine before or during work.

    • Keep an eye on co-workers for signs of heat exhaustion.

    • If you start feeling ill, stop work immediately, take steps to cool down and tell your supervisor.

    Source: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries

    On average, this summer has not been unusually warm in Western Washington, but occasional heat waves have hit the region. The National Weather Service issued the first-ever heat advisory for Seattle in late May and added the city to its excessive-heat program.


     
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