Safety Construction Tips For The Summer

How to stay safe while working in the outdoors

By Shaked R Cohen, Designer

Summer is just around the corner, and that means more going out-doors and having work done in your yard; getting estimates and hiring professional contractors. That also means more contractors will be outdoors in the summer heat.

Unfortunately, contractors and workers face the highest risks of injury out of all industries.  Sadly, each year thousands of construction workers get into a serious injury or die. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has taken great steps to minimize these risks.

Construction workers can reduce these risks by following the steps below.

Beware of heat exhaustion

Workers can become dehydrated and tired more quickly when working in the outdoors. Contractor should give workers short breaks indoors every couple of hours. Workers should stay hydrated and drink every couple of minutes.

Wear Loose- fitted clothing

If clothing is too tight, it can cause heat exhaustion, by slowing down the rate of heat escaping your body.

Have a Buddy System

That means each 2 workers keep an eye out for each other and look out for signs of dehydration or fatigue. This is one of the best ways to reduce risk of injury.

Try to avoid Mid-day hours

While it is not always possible, workers should do most of the tiring work in the morning hours or late afternoon to reduce exposure to sunlight.

These are just a few great tips for contractors and construction workers to follow to reduce injury at work and reduce exposure to the hot sun.

Stay safe and hydrated.