How Outdoor Workers Can Beat the Heat - Shade Matters
Outdoor workers work in hot climates where the sun is constantly beating down on them. The sun is a significant cause of premature skin aging, sunburns, and other conditions. And if you are wondering how outdoor workers can beat the heat?
The best way to protect your skin from all of these issues is to use the right type of shade. You need to ensure you have the correct shade for your outdoor workers to get the most out of their working day.
For proper shading, you should consider The Trade Shade device that you can fit anywhere and work comfortably under the sun. The Trade Shade is a magnetic umbrella holder that will provide you with shade to protect you and your equipment from the sun and the rain.
Why Is it Important to Keep Cool?
Heat stress is a condition that can occur when working in hot environments.
The body's temperature rises, and the core body temperature is not kept to 37°C. When it grows, the body must work to keep it cool by sweating. If the sweat does not evaporate quickly enough, then heat stress can occur.
Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are more severe conditions than heat stress and can result in death if not treated properly.
Gloves keep your hands protected during industrial work by protecting them from extreme temperatures and also absorbing sweat so it does not affect your grip on tools or equipment.
19 Tips to Help Beat The Australian Sun
Stay Hydrated All the Time
It is imperative to stay hydrated, especially during the workday. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell. Drinking plenty of water not only keeps you hydrated but can also help improve your endurance. Bring a water bottle with you to work and refill it often.
Apply Waterproof Sunscreen
When you are out in the sun, it is essential to protect your skin by applying sunscreen. Make sure to apply it to all exposed skin, and be sure to reapply every two hours. Cover your ears from the sun by using sunscreen or a hat.
Dress Lightly
When the weather is hot, it's essential to avoid heat exhaustion and other health problems. Dress in light clothing that allows your skin to breathe, avoid heavy meals, drink plenty of water, and eat healthy snacks.
Take Breaks
It is essential to take breaks when working in extreme heat to avoid heat stress. Remember to take cover if needed and work in shaded areas whenever possible. And take lunch breaks under shade as well.
Find Shade
When temperatures are high, and the sun is shining, it is essential to take cover to avoid heat-related illness. Shade yourself and others from the sun by finding a shady spot to relax in, setting up a shelter or cooling station, or wearing protective clothing.
Alternatively, you can use our Trade Shade to set up a shelter where you are working.
Minimize UV Reflection and Heat from Work Surfaces
Install work surfaces in the shade/cover them up. Our Trade Shade also works excellent when providing shade in the work area. And since this magnetic umbrella holder can be set up almost anywhere, you can work on the toughest jobs without worrying about sun UV rays damaging your skin.
When installing new work surfaces, place them in a shaded area if possible, or use a cover to minimize the amount of UV reflection. Sunburns can be painful and dangerous, so it's essential to take steps to protect employees from these harmful rays.
Heat illnesses are just one part of workplace accidents: While they are serious, they're only one type of workplace accident that employers need to be aware of. Employers must take steps to minimize all kinds of risks for their employees.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
It is essential to avoid drinking excessive caffeine and alcohol during hot weather conditions. Caffeine can dehydrate the body, while alcohol also has dehydrating effects. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and cool during hot weather.
Eat Lighter
When eating healthier, it is essential to focus on eating light, nutrient-rich meals. You should aim to eat more frequent but lighter meals and snacks throughout the day. This will help your body better digest and absorb the nutrients from your food.
Prioritize and Pace Yourself
You can do a few different things to help yourself be more productive in the morning.
One is to prioritize your tasks and do the most demanding ones first. This will help you get them out of the way and give you a sense of accomplishment that can carry over into the rest of your day.
You can also try to pace yourself, working for short bursts of time with breaks to avoid getting overwhelmed. Finally, make sure to take some time for yourself in the morning to start your day feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Adjust Your Schedule
There are a few ways to adjust your work schedule to avoid overheating. One way is to start earlier in the morning when it is cooler outside. Another way is to begin later in the evening when it is cooler inside. Finally, having a flexible work schedule can help you avoid working during the day's hottest hours.
Cool Your Pulse Points with Spritzing or Ice
One of the best ways to cool down is to aim water at your pulse points when feeling overheated. This can be done by spritzing or dribbling water on the back neck, wrists just below the palm, and inside ankles.
Use a Damp Towel
A damp towel is a great way to keep cool while working in the sun. It also protects your neck from harmful UV rays.
Set Up a Fan
An industrial-grade work fan is a powerful fan that can cool you down and make you sweat. It can be used in a place where air conditioning is not possible, such as a warehouse or workshop.
Wear Breathable Gloves
These gloves are perfect for work in hot climates. The air-flow mesh back allows your hands to breathe and keeps them cool and comfortable.
Wear a Cooling Vest
Wearing a cooling vest is an easy and effective way to help workers avoid heat stress. There are many different types of cooling vests, from the very simple to more complex models, and each has its benefits. By keeping workers cooler for a more extended period, heat stress is greatly reduced.
Get a Haircut
Long hair will always make you feel hot, especially if you wear a helmet. Thus, having small hair will make you feel less desirable when working outdoors.
Keep a Bucket of Ice Water Nearby
When it's hot outside, it's essential to stay calm. One way to do that is to keep a bucket of ice water nearby so you can dunk your head or pour the water over your body to cool down. Another way to cool down is to aim for your body's pulse points- the wrists, neck, and groin.
Don't Ignore the Warning Signs
Heat exhaustion is one of the signs of heatstroke, which can be deadly if not treated. If someone is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, get them out of the sun and into a more relaxed setting as soon as possible: heavy sweating, rapid pulse, dizziness, goosebumps on the skin, and headache.
Practice Sun-Safety
Working outside in the sun can be extremely difficult, especially during the summer months. Sunscreen is a must for outdoor workers - it helps beat the heat. Other sun-stopping tips include: Minimizing outdoor work during midday, pacing yourself, and taking breaks when you feel thirsty or overheated. Breaks are helpful, they allow your body to cool down and hydrate.
Know the Signs of Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion
Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are both severe medical conditions that can occur when someone is working in high temperatures. It is essential to identify the symptoms of each situation so that you can get help if needed.
Heatstroke symptoms include extreme body temperature, dry skin, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, and confusion. If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
This blog post outlines how outdoor workers can beat the heat using many different and easy ways. Tell us if you liked them or think we missed some amazing ideas to cope with bad weather while working outdoors.
However, using The Trade Shade in the workplace can be a very effective solution. This will allow outdoor workers to work effectively while beating the heat. The Trade Shade will also protect you from any sun damage like skin cancer and premature aging.
TradeShade allows workers to continue working while beating the heat of the sun. I hope this has been a catalyst for you to consider potentially buying TradeShade for your company's needs.
Ref: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/heat_index/protective_high.html?blog
How to Protect Outdoor Workers From the Sun With Skin Safety
What Should I Look For in an Umbrella Stand?
The Best Tips for Working Safely in The Rain
A Guide to Instant Shade Options for Tradies
How Do I Keep My Umbrella from Falling
12 Safety Tips for HVAC Technicians
Ways to Beat the Heat When Working Outside
Working In The Rain as a Tradie
How Implementing Safety Measures Can Boost Your Productivity
The Rules of Working Outdoors in Wet Weather