Summer this year has been abnormally hot and dry — which can create dangerous working conditions. Extreme heat can be just as hazardous as extreme cold. Make sure workers on YOUR jobsite are prepared:
- Wear light, loose clothing.
- Stay hydrated and avoid caffeinated beverages.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Take frequent breaks, depending on the temperature.
- Be aware you may need to re-adjust to the heat after a holiday or long weekend.
When working in extreme heat, workers will need breaks to recover in between working to prevent heat stress. Here’s a guideline for how much recovery time is required. In this chart prepared by SAFE Work Manitoba, humidex 1 refers to non-acclimatized workers doing moderate work, and humidex 2 refers to acclimatized workers doing moderate work.
It’s also important to avoid hot, heavy meals that can potentially increase your bodyIt’s also important to avoid hot, heavy meals that can potentially increase your body temperature. Client Services Advisor Ross Jardine says from his experience working in hot weather, fruits with high water content are a great option.
“I worked on a project in Dubai for six months in temperatures ranging from 40 to 50 degrees Celsius and above,” says Jardine. “It was hard to adjust. When we asked the locals how they dealt with the heat, they told us to eat more fruit, like melon. When you eat foods with high water content, it activates your digestive system, helping you absorb and retain water, while also giving you energy and keeping cool.”
Here are some examples of fruit and vegetables with high water content:
- Cucumber – 96 per cent water
- Red tomatoes – 94 per cent water
- Watermelon – 92 per cent water
- Bell peppers – 92 per cent water
- Strawberries – 92 per cent water
- Cantaloupe – 90 per cent water
If your body doesn’t have enough water to cool itself down, your temperature can rise above 38 degrees Celsuis — which can cause heat-related illness such as heat rash (plugged sweat glands), heat cramps (salt loss from sweating), heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Be sure to review our Heat Stress toolbox talk to ensure you can identify heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as well as how to treat either of them if your coworkers show symptoms.
