The Sunshine State
This catchy state nick-name may be a draw for tourists, but if you live in Florida year-round, you know it can be a curse as much as a blessing. The sub-tropic climate may be nice in the winter when the rest of the country is freezing, but when summer comes around, you better be ready.
You shouldn’t expect this summer to be any different. In fact, we’ve had some of the hottest temperatures on record over the past couple weeks. In Tampa, we’ve recently had temperatures reaching into the high 90s! With the heat such a major factor, it’s important to stay safe outside, especially if you work outdoors.
Construction Workers Feeling the Heat
If you work in construction, you should know just how vital it is to take necessary precautions when working in the summer heat. According to the Department of Labor, construction workers make up one-third of all heat-related deaths on the job.
Working outside for prolonged hours in intense heat can have devastating effects on the body. There have been numerous cases of construction workers with unchecked heat exhaustion leading to heat stroke. Once a body goes into heat stroke, it loses the ability to control an internal body temperature. Without immediate medical attention, the body’s temperature can skyrocket, causing severe disability and even death.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requires that employers of outdoor workers provide their outdoor workers with plenty of access to shade, water, and regular breaks.
Stay Cool on the Practice Field
Athletes are another group highly prone to the effects of the heat.
Summer serves as the off-season in football, meaning it’s a time for players to train for the next season. However, long practice sessions and an athlete’s tendency to push themselves to the limit coupled can be a deadly mix in the heat.
We’re All Susceptible to Heat Illness
It’s not just construction workers and athletes suffering from heat illness; we’re all prone to the effects of the sun and heat. If you’re planning on outdoor activities this summer, it’s important to stay hydrated and stay cool.
Proper protection from the sun and heat is a serious thing. It’s important to report any employer neglect for outdoor workers working in high-heat conditions. If you have suffered a personal injury or know someone who has been affected by heat illness, there is support.
Resources
- Read more on OSHA’s requirements for preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths on the job site
- Find out how you can be protected in the result of an injury suffered from a heat illness