In Oklahoma, summers are sweltering. For construction crews, or anyone who primarily works outdoors, that introduces dangers like heat stroke, dehydration and more. To help you stay cool this summer, Maxwell Supply in Tulsa carries a variety of helpful products, including Igloo coolers, sun shades for hard hats, bagged ice, bottled water and Gatorade mix. In addition to these products, it’s important to follow these safety tips in order to stay safe and healthy while working under a blistering sun.
- Drink water
Water is, of course, always important to drink plenty of, but it becomes even more vital when the weather gets hot. You’ll lose more fluids in high temperatures, which means you’ll need to replace more with water. Soda and energy drinks are actually counterproductive, but having Gatorade on the job site is helpful for replacing lost electrolytes.
- Eat right
It’s not just what you drink that will affect your ability to work in the heat, but also what you eat. Foods that are high in fat and grease will cause problems if eaten before you work outside. Instead, try eating smaller portions of healthier foods like a sandwich and fruit during the hottest parts of the day. You’ll have more energy and be better equipped to handle the heat.
- Get timing right
There’s no reason to work in direct sunlight at the hottest part of the day on every job. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, but other times, with a little planning, you can work in the shade or when it’s cooler. This may require moving up start times so you can work more in the morning. If you do have to work when it’s sweltering, take plenty of breaks and find a shady spot to rest.
- Dress smart
Dressing for outdoor work in the summer can be tricky. You don’t want your skin exposed to the sun for hours at a time, but you also don’t want to cover up and be even hotter. The solution is light, breathable fabrics. Athletic gear is often a good place to look for clothing that isn’t too hot and stays dry all day. There are even light fabrics that offer UV protection and protection from insects.
If you follow these tips and stay alert of both your and your coworkers’ conditions, you should be able to avoid serious problems.
Before the weather gets any warmer, stop by and see us at Maxwell Supply in Tulsa to stock up on summer supplies. We offer various sizes of Igloo coolers and ice and bottled water to fill them with. We also carry Gatorade mix, water cans, and MSA sun shades for hard hats.