Keep your construction crew safe this summer.
While summer is a prime time for completing long-term construction projects or catching up on projects that were delayed during the unpredictable winter months, summer can hold serious risks for your workers. Here are some of the hazards you should look out for if you want to keep your construction crew safe this summer.
Heat-Related Illnesses
When temperatures rise above the mid-80s, the risk of heat-related illnesses and medical conditions increases rapidly. Heat stroke, also known as sun stroke, is one of the most serious summer hazards for construction crews that are working outdoors. Because heat stroke can strike very quickly and have fatal results, it’s incredibly important to be on the lookout for any workers displaying symptoms of the illness. Tell-tale symptoms include high temperature, confusion, dizziness, nausea, lack of sweat, and so on. If you notice any of your workers displaying these signs, do your best to lower their body temperature and call for medical assistance.
Sunburn
Sunburn is one of the most common summer-related health issues that construction workers face. While sunburn might seem like a minor issue, sun exposure can actually cause second and third-degree burns. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can even lead to more long-term issues such as basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and other skin cancers. If you crew is working in the sun, make sure that they wear heavy duty sunscreens and make sure they reapply frequently. Additionally, advise them to cover up as much skin as possible to further protect against sunburns.
Dehydration
Finally, being out in hot temperatures can cause your workers to become dehydrated. Becoming dehydrated can make the likelihood of developing serious heat-related illness more common. To prevent this issue, encourage your workers to drink frequently. You can also encourage your crew to stay hydrated by providing cool water or other drinks onsite.
Keep your construction crew safe this summer by watching out for these hazards. Want another way to take care of your workers? Then make sure you have the right insurance protections in place. To find the right policies to meet your business’s needs, contact the experts at Contractors Insurance Agency.