6 | AUGUST 2019
News
Installer News is
sponsored by FENSA
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN WORKING
OUTDOORS IN SEARING HEAT
Tradespeople have been offered key advice for staying safe and
healthy when working outdoors in the searing summer heat.
Researchers from commer-
cial vehicle experts LeaseVan.
co.uk have revealed eight tips for
avoiding sun burn or heat stroke
from working outside.
Every summer millions of
outdoor workers face the risk of
dehydration and heat stress as
well as the increased risk of an
accident happening because of
tiredness and lack of concentra-
tion.
Too much sunlight can be
extremely harmful to your skin,
causing sunburn and blistering as
well as irreversible ageing.
In the long term, it can also lead
to an increased risk of skin cancer,
one of the most common forms of
cancer in the UK.
If you work outdoors for a long
time, your skin could be exposed
to more sun than is healthy for
you, and you should take particu-
lar care if you have fair or freckled
skin, red or fair hair, or a large
number of moles.
Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk
commented: “For British workers,
blistering hot days are few and far
between – even over the summer –
so they’re often a cause for celebra-
tion when they do roll around.
“But if you’re an outdoor work-
er, they can actually pose a health
hazard if you’re not careful.
“Very few employers include
heat/sun exposure in their risk
assessment, so unfortunately a lot
of workers have to make it their
own responsibility to stay safe in
the sun.
“While you cannot change when
the sun is going to shine, there are
a few precautions and extra meas-
ures you can take to prioritise
your health and wellness at work
on such days.”
1. Stay hydrated
It sounds simple, but the impor-
tance of staying hydrated when it’s
hot outside cannot be emphasised
enough. If you simply wait until
you’re thirsty before you drink
water, you may be well beyond
the point you needed to replenish
fluids. Make sure you drink water
every 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Ditch the caffeine
Many of us rely on the morning
boost a big cup of coffee provides,
but when a heat wave is on, don’t
overdo it on the caffeine as in
excess, it can prompt dehydration.
Don’t forget that energy drinks
usually contain a high dose of it
as well, so even if you think you
need a lift to get through a tough
afternoon, try to avoid it when
trying to beat the heat.
3. Dress appropriately
When the heat is particularly
gruelling, it’s critical to keep your-
self protected from the sun’s rays.
That means wear cool, loose-fitting
clothing in light-coloured fabrics
that breathe and help to maintain
a healthy body temperature. If you
can wear a hat on the job, make
sure you do so.
And whilst it’s tempting to strip
off clothing when the tempera-
tures are soaring, leaving your
skin exposed to the sun can do
more harm than good, leading to
severe sunburns or heat stroke.
4. Sun cream
Even if you’re properly dressed
for the conditions, it’s impossi-
ble not have some skin exposed,
so make sure you apply a sun
cream that has an SPF rating of at
least 30 and keep layering it on
throughout the day.
‘ avoid a heavy lunch ’
5. Eat right
If you’re working in the heat
avoid a heavy lunch, especially
protein-rich meats. You’re better
off with small snacks and light
meals throughout the day, as your
body creates more metabolic
heat if it’s breaking down heavy
foods.
6. Take shelter
Even if you’re properly dressed
for the conditions and you’ve
slathered your body in sun cream,
it’s a good idea to get out of the
sun as often as possible through-
out the day. Take breaks in the
shade and, if possible, move some
tasks to covered areas.
7. Cut back at happy hour
There’s nothing wrong with
unwinding after a long, hot day on
the job with an alcoholic beverage,
but you shouldn’t overdo it during
a heatwave as you’ll feel alcohol’s
dehydrating effects the next day.
8. Pace yourself
Wherever possible, slow down
and work at an even pace. Make
sure you know your limits and
don’t ignore the warning signs if
you’re starting to feel exhausted.
Warnings signs of heat exhaustion
can include heavy sweating, rapid
pulse, dizziness, goose bumps,
muscle cramps and head ache.