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The summer heat is nearly here, and while it’s always a nice break from the snow and ice of winter, the summer brings a whole new set of challenges to the trades and jobs that require physical labour. It’s easier to layer up when it’s cold out, but keeping cool on the job during the summer months can be a challenge without the right safety precautions in place and supplies readily available for all workers at risk of heat and sun exposure.

Heat-Related Illness
Anyone who works in the heat has likely experienced some form of mild or moderate heat stress, but it should never be taken lightly. If left untreated and unresolved, it can lead to serious injuries and even death. The first step towards combating heat-related illnesses is being proactive when the temperatures are expected to rise. Keeping an eye on the weather forecast and having the necessary cooling and hydration plan in place for all your workers, including, frequent breaks, lots of water and the right cooling gear, are all important. No matter how good the plan is, it’s also important to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion so it can be recognized early and steps can be taken to treat it. These symptoms include;

  • Excessive sweating
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Clammy skin in the heat
  • Muscle cramps

Prevention & Remedies
Heat exhaustion can lead to a lack of alertness and coordination, in addition to numerous physical symptoms which can be dangerous on a job site. Leaving heat exhaustion untreated can also progress to heat stroke, a condition that can land you in the hospital if not taken seriously and treated quickly. Here are a few tips for keeping cool this spring and summer to help avoid either of these heat related illnesses.

Hydrate
Hydration is your first line of defence against heat-related illness because you need to replenish the fluids your body sweats out in an effort to keep cool. Electrolyte replacement drinks like Sqwincher are a great way to replenish the fluids and electrolytes you sweat out while you’re on the job, and as an added bonus, it comes in seven delicious flavours and multiple dispensing options.

Dress Appropriately
One of the biggest challenges of keeping cool when working in the heat is ensuring the right clothing is worn. Safety is the number one priority, which usually means wearing full-length pants, work boots, and even long sleeves in many cases. Coolworks ventilated workwear is designed to protect workers from the dangers on the job as well as the dangers of heat-related illnesses. Light-weight cotton moisture wicking shirts from Pioneer are a must-have, as well as cooling accessories like Ergodyne’s Chill-Its vests, headbands and neck ties.

Sunscreen
While sunscreen may not work towards keeping you cool on the job during the summer, it will protect your skin from the dangers of excessive UV exposure. Products like Crocbloc SPF30 sunscreen are a great way to protect yourself from the dangers of prolonged exposure to the sun. It’s unscented and waterproof, which means once it’s on you’ll forget you’re even wearing it, and it won’t wash off as you sweat away in the hot sun.

Cool Off
Getting the job done will always be the number one priority, but you can’t do that if you don’t look after your personal well-being first, and when the temperatures are high, that means taking breaks to cool off. Taking a moment to cool off in the shade and drink some water is a great start, but adding a Sqwincher Sqweeze Pop to that combination will leave you feeling cool and refreshed, and ready to take on the rest of the day.

SB Simpson has all the equipment and supplies you need to
keep your employees cool, hydrated, and safe!

Rather talk to one of our representatives over the phone about a larger volume purchase of products for your unique line of business?
Give us a call at 1-855-SIMPSON (1-855-746-7766)

SB Simpson has been proudly providing our customers with high-quality equipment, tools and supplies, and value-added services since 1960. Our commitment to customer service excellence and our exceptional sourcing capabilities has earned us a reputation as a flexible, responsive, and reliable industrial distributor and partner. We are the distributor of the future.

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