How to Protect Yourself from Sun Related Illnesses

Summer is well underway and that means it's hot, hot, hot on those roofs! During the month of June, we focused our weekly safety talks on Sun Related Illnesses and Sun Safety. 

Preventing heat related illnesses:

PROTECT YOURSELF:

Sometimes working conditions can create the possibility that heat illness could occur, these include air temperature, relative humidity, radiant heat from the sun, and other sources like equipment, conductive heat sources such as the ground, air movement, work load severity and duration.
Make sure your clothing is appropriate: breathable, loose fitting and light coloured clothing such as cotton. Cotton can be soaked in water to aid cooling. Avoid non-breathable synthetic clothing. 

Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty. Sip 1 cup of water every 15 – 20 minutes. Remember drinking large quantities of water, does not adequately replace the body's salt loss. 

Watch for signs, designate a buddy and ask them how they are feeling. 

When you recognize signs of heat illness in yourself or in a co-worker:

o Move them to a shaded area for a recovery period of at least five minutes
o Provide pure, cool water (as much as needed)
o Do not leave person, monitor individual until recovery is evident
o If the condition appears to be severe or the employee does not recover, then emergency medical care is needed.

PREVENTING HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES:

Heat Rash: Wash regularly to keep skin clean and dry

Heat Cramps: Reduce activity levels and heat exposure. Cramps may occur during or after work hours. So monitor yourself, if you experience any of these symptoms after work, you should act appropriately. Get medical attention if needed.

Fainting: Reduce activity levels and heat exposure. Drink fluids regularly. Move around and avoid standing in one place for too long. Workers should check on each other to help spot the symptoms that often precede heat stroke.

Heat Exhaustion: Reduce activity levels and heat exposure. Drink fluids regularly. Workers should check on each other to help spot the symptoms that often precede heat stroke.

Heat Stroke: Reduce activity levels and heat exposure. Drink fluids regularly. Workers should check on each other to help spot the symptoms that often precede heat stroke.