The summer heat can easily cause construction workers to suffer from heat-related illnesses. Companies should follow these tips to keep workers safe and reduce workers' compensation claims. SourceOne Partners is an expert in workers' compensation and PEO services. Please contact us at 561-674-0748 or visit us online at www.sourceonpartners.com to request a complimentary consultation.
3. CONSTRUCTION
SITE DANGERS
Construction work has one of
the highest rates of illness and
injury, according to the U.S.
Department of Labor.
Dangers of construction
work include:
Working in high places.
Working with hazardous and/
or dangerous materials.
Physically-demanding work.
Dealing with all weather
conditions.
Outdoor laborers are
susceptible to heat-related
illnesses, especially in summer.
4. Heat Rash Heat Cramps Heat Syncope
dizziness or
fainting
Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke
TYPES OF HEAT STRESS
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Heat syncope and heat exhaustion are warning signs of heat stroke and should be taken seriously.
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SYMPTOMS OF
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Anyone experiencing signs of heat exhaustion should
be allowed to rest in the shade and rehydrate with
water or a sports drink.
Nausea
Shallow breathing
Extreme fatigue
Heavy sweating
Dizziness
Fainting
6. SYMPTOMS OF
HEAT STROKE
If a worker is experiencing signs of heat stroke, call 911
immediately and notify a supervisor. Move the worker
to the shade and drench him or her with cool water
until help arrives.
High body
temperature
Skin that’s both hot
and dry to the touch
Profuse sweating
Slurred speech
Confusion
Dizziness
Throbbing headache
Body chills
Hallucinations
7. HOW TO AVOID HEAT-
RELATED ILLNESSES
COMPANIES
Allow new workers to acclimate slowly
by working shorter shifts until they
become used to it.
Provide cool, shaded areas on
construction sites.
Make cool water and opportunities to
rest available to workers.
Provide proper training on the signs of
heat stress, prevention and treatment.
EMPLOYEES
Drink water every 15 minutes, even if
you don’t feel thirsty.
Wear a hat and light-colored clothing
to protect from sun exposure.
Keep an eye on fellow workers that
may be experiencing signs of trouble.
8. KEEPING WORKERS’ COMP
COSTS DOWN
The best way to avoid increases in Workers’
Compensation rates is to avoid claims.
Follow the guidelines provided by the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) to keep workers safe.
Provide the proper training to workers.
Comply with local and state laws.
If you are in need of workers’ comp
or want to lower your rates, contact
SourceOne Partners for a free quote.
9. ABOUT SOURCEONE PARTNERS
SourceOne Partners is a leader in the professional employer organization (PEO)
and payroll industry. We work with small businesses, PC brokers, payroll reps,
CPAs and others to provide consulting services on a variety of outsourced
business services, including human resources, payroll, employee benefits, workers’
compensation and more.
Call 561-674-0748 for a free PEO or payroll quote today or visit
sourceonepartners.com.