Here at Chase Construction North West Inc., we know our workers are at the heart of our success. The summer is the most popular time for roofing, but poses some dangers, as staying in the blistering sun all day can be a cause for concern. Not only contractor work, but also a fun day in the sun with your family can cause heat-related illnesses so any reader should look below for preventative tips. Working in excessive heat or humidity is not only an obstruction that can lead to poor judgement and decision making, but it can be immensely dangerous. As a contractor, it is vital to tell your employees to establish a comprehensive heat-stress program. Sufficient rest and proper hydration are at the center of this. Rigorous outdoor physical activity should be avoided before a day at work in order to avoid commencing your work day in an already overheated and exhausted state. Despite the hot weather, heat induced illnesses such as heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke can be reduced. Implementing effective programs should most importantly include employees monitoring themselves and their coworkers for the signs and symptoms below, as immediate intervention is necessary when they’re observed.
Signs/Symptoms of Heat Stress
-Excessive sweating
–Red, flushed skin
-General body weakness
-Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
–Nausea/vomiting
–Headache
-Muscle cramps in the hands and feet
–Dark-colored urine
Countermeasures to help Avoid Heat-Related Problems
-Plan for breaks in air-conditioned areas. If AC is not available, find shade, cooler areas, and/or fans.
-Drink plenty of decaffeinated drinks. Sports drinks such as Gatorade are recommended, as they will replenish lost electrolytes.
-Drink up to 10 8-oz. cups of water each 8 hour shift. Be careful not to over-hydrate.
-Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water as thirst is a poor indicator of heat stress.
–Wet your hair, neck, and face as frequently as possible with water or a spray bottle.
Pay attention to weather predictions and ensure that countermeasures have been 
enacted on days of extreme heat and humidity. Allow new employees time to acclimate when newly assigned to high heat areas. Finally, do not drink alcohol prior to coming to work and avoid caffeinated drinks in high-heat situations as caffeine is a diuretic and actually causes people to lose water.
About Us
Here at Chase Construction North West Inc., we take safety measures and precautions very seriously. We always make sure our employees are prepared to face any challenge they meet and overcome it in a safe, efficient manner. We hope all contractors, as well as just anyone who plans on spending a lot of time in the sun this summer, will utilize these tips and prevent heat-illnesses. Despite some additional dangers, summer is still the prime time for roofing and we would love to help with any of your roofing needs Puget Sound! Call us today at (253) 445-8950 and schedule a completely free estimate! We provide services in King County and Pierce County, along with major cities such as Seattle, Tacoma, Puyallup, Federal Way, Renton, Auburn, Des Moines and all of the surrounding cities. If you are in need of roofing, decking, waterproofing, or skylight installation services contact Chase Construction North West Inc. today.
