Heat Based Risks when Working for a Construction Staffing Agency

The CDC states that heat-related deaths in the construction field have been seeing a steady increase since 1992, perfectly correlating with an increase in summer temperatures. The prevalence of this risk is greatly increased in a warm area, such as eastern North Carolina. If you’ve been working with a construction staffing agency or are trying to get a construction position in the coming months, it’s important to know some of the big risks heat can pose. As the months get warmer, knowing the big threats, what their symptoms are, and some methods to beat the heat can make your construction staffing agency job that much safer.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is caused when your body overheats and is struggling (or is unable) to cool itself down. If you’ve been outside in the heat for an extended period of time without taking ample steps to cool yourself down, you may experience heat exhaustion. One of the tell-tale signs of overheating is actually, oddly enough, goosebumps. Forbes describes this strange phenomenon as similar to what happens during a fever. Along with goosebumps despite extreme heat, excessive sweating, dull headaches, fatigue, and nausea are all signs that your body is getting too warm for its own good. While heat exhaustion does not pose a serious threat by itself, it is a precursor to a much larger issue, heatstroke.

Heat Stroke

If you allow heat exhaustion to continue without taking some time to cool down and rest, you are at extreme risk of heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when your body temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. At this point, your internal body temperature has risen to a level that can damage your internal organs, including your brain and heart. If immediate medical attention is not sought after, you are also putting yourself at risk of death. While heat exhaustion involves lots of sweating, one of the largest tells, though not true 100% of the time, that you’ve progressed to heatstroke is the complete absence of sweat. Additionally, flushed skin, altered mind states, and rapid breathing are among other symptoms that point to heatstroke.

How Do I Deal With The Heat?

The heat is nothing to be scared of when working construction jobs Greenville NC, as long as you take the proper precautions and make sure to take some time to cool off every now and then. The most effective way to ensure you remain cool is to drink plenty of water before spending time in the heat as well as during your time outside. Water gives your body the tools to effectively manage your body temperature, as you’ll be able to sweat when needed. Additionally, make sure to talk to your site manager. Whether you got your position through a construction staffing agency or found construction jobs Greenville NC by your own research, no site manager wants their employees to suffer. If you’re noticing the onset of heat exhaustion, inform your manager and find a cool spot. For more tips on how to beat the summer heat, visit our blog!

Construction Staffing Agency | LaborQuick

If you’ve studied up and are ready to break into the construction industry, LaborQuick is ready to help. LaborQuick is a construction staffing agency located in eastern North Carolina that works tirelessly to match hard workers with jobs that are perfect for them. Visit the LaborQuick website and start finding your perfect job today!

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