Do these things to work more safely in the heat

Do you find yourself working in hot conditions on a regular basis? This can happen indoors or out, so you need to be careful at all times.

It’s never a good idea to push yourself past your limit when working in the heat. Doing so can result in a variety of health problems, including but not limited to heat stroke.

Here are five top safety tips for working in the heat:

Stay hydrated. No matter what it takes, make sure you drink enough water throughout the day.
Take breaks. You may find it difficult to drag yourself away from your work, but it’s imperative to take breaks every now and again.
Avoid caffeinated drinks, such as soda, coffee, tea and alcohol.
Wear protective, lightweight clothing. If your clothes become saturated by sweat, don’t hesitate to change.
Use a damp rag to wipe your face and/or hang around your neck.

These are the types of things that can help keep you cool when working in hot conditions. This doesn’t mean that you won’t get hot, but one or more of these tips could be just what you need in order to prevent a heat-related injury.

If you are injured on the job, such as the result of heat stroke, you may not be medically cleared to return to work in the near future. This will call for you to learn more about your workers’ compensation rights. By filing a claim for benefits, you may find that you are able to receive regular payments until you are able to return to work.

Source: Society Insurance, “Heat Illness: Symptoms and Prevention,” accessed July 19, 2017