How To Work Safely In Hot Summer Weather

Even if you enjoy working outdoors in warm weather, it doesn’t mean you can ignore the potential impact on your body. Dehydration and heat stroke can set in quickly, thus putting you in a compromising position.

Here are five safety tips to follow when working outdoors during the hot summer months:

• Stay hydrated: This starts with hydrating before you begin your workday. If you neglect to do this, you’re starting the day on the wrong foot. As the day wears on, keep water or sports drinks nearby for easy consumption.
• Protect your skin: Wear protective clothing that still allows your skin to breathe. This protects you from sunburn, while promoting airflow as a means of keeping you as cool as possible.
• Take breaks: Even if you have a big job staring you in the face, regular breaks are a must. This gives your body time to rest. It also gives you time to cool off and rehydrate.
• Don’t push yourself: If you have reason to believe you’re dehydrated or inching closer to heat stroke, stop what you’re doing to receive immediate medical care. Pushing yourself too far can result in a serious illness or even death.

If you suffer an on-the-job injury or illness, stabilizing your health should be your top priority. From there, you can report the incident to your employer and focus on making a full recovery.

Should you be unable to immediately return to work, consider filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. This allows you to receive compensation until you’re cleared to return to normal activity.