Beat The Heat
“Texas hot” summer temperatures of 100 degrees or more make it extremely dangerous for anyone working outdoors. No one understands that better than EMC Risk Improvement Representative Kelly Castillo. Castillo works with a variety of policyholders to help them reduce the likelihood of heat-related illnesses.
According to the National Safety Council, on average, 384 people die each year from heat stroke. Castillo notes that the Texas Department of Health Services documented 40 heat-related deaths among all Texans last year. Castillo offers policyholders the following recommendations to help protect workers during the summer months:
- Acclimate workers to hot weather — It often takes two to three weeks for an employee to become acclimated to a hot environment.
- Replace fluids — Provide cool water or any cool liquid (except alcoholic and caffeinated beverages) to workers and encourage them to drink small amounts frequently (one cup every 20 minutes).
- Educate workers — Train workers to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress and to provide first aid if necessary.
- Limit the physical demands — Use relief workers or assign extra workers to minimize overexertion. You may also want to increase the use of equipment on hot days to further reduce physical labor.
- Choose the right workers — Avoid placing high risk employees in hot environments for extended time periods.
- Reschedule hot jobs — Assign heavier work on cooler days or during the cooler parts of the day.
- Wear the right clothes — Encourage workers to wear light-colored, loose clothing to protect themselves from the heat.
If these tips are appropriate for policyholders dealing with the 100-plus degree weather of a Texas summer, they will certainly be of value to you and your employees. For additional tips, Castillo suggests visiting OSHA, the Center for Disease Control or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
