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Working in the Australian heat can be extremely challenging if the right precautions are not taken.
Many outdoor workers are at risk of workplace hazards and heat-related illnesses which include heat exhaustion, dehydration, and sun stroke. It is important to implement a safety plan to prepare for the warmer months, follow these simple steps to ensure you and your team have a summer-safe workplace!
Stay Hydrated
It is essential that you are staying hydrated throughout the day whilst also ensuring your electrolyte levels are up. Dehydration can kick in very quickly, so make sure you don’t wait until you are thirsty to have a drink, as this can be asign that you are already dehydrated. Outdoor workers should aim to stick to the half-and-half rule, drinking half a litre of water every half an hour. Powdered and liquid concentrates are also a great way to top up your hydration levels. These drinks replenish the sodium and minerals that are lost through sweat, at a much faster rate than just drinking water. However, it should not completely replace your daily water intake. We have a vast range of flavours and options to quench your thirst this summer!
Dress for the Heat
We should pay attention to the way we dress when working in the heat in the same way we do when dressing for the cold during winter. Choosing the correct workwear is a very important component of staying safe and keeping cool during the summer months. We naturally tend to want to wear less confining clothing as the temperature rises but covering up will protect your workers from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Skippers offer a wide range of workwear that is specifically designed to keep you cool during the warmer months. Wear long sleeves and light cotton layers to keep the body temperature down and minimise the risk of any heat-related illnesses.
Protect with PPE
Working outside means that there are various light and temperature conditions to adapt to. Working outdoors, under the direct sunlight for a long period of time means you are exposed to excessive amounts of UV rays and the effects of glare which can harm your eyes. Safety glasses with polarised lenses not only protect your eyes from harmful objects but also offer the best protection against the sun, as they are designed to eliminate glare, reduce bright reflections, and increase visibility. The technology featured in these lenses reduce eye stress, fatigue and decreases headaches caused by the overexposure of glare and harsh sunlight. Polarised lenses will not only improve the quality of your working conditions but also protect the quality of your overall eye health.
