Stay Cool This Summer on the Job Site with Eastern NC Staffing Company

As summer approaches, construction workers must look after themselves in the heat. Heat illness can be severe, and workers should know how to prevent dangerous conditions. LaborQuick, an eastern NC staffing company, places employees with qualified companies who put their employees health first, keeping everyone happy and healthy on the job site this summer.

What is Heat Illness?

Heat illnesses occur due to exposure to extreme heat, extended periods of heat, or heat in the workplace. LaborQuick Greenville staffing company utilizes a thorough process to ensure potential employees are placed at sites that understand the need for protection against heat illness. Examples of heat illness include:

• Heat stroke
• Heat rash
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat cramps
• Hyperthermia

These illnesses can range from moderately uncomfortable to dangerous. High temperature, high humidity, dehydration, direct sun exposure, bulky clothing, and physical activity can lead to heat illness.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke occurs when body temperature rises to critical levels due to internal temperature regulation systems failing. Signs of heat stroke include

• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Hot skin
• No sweat

It is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible if there are signs of a possible heat stroke. It is the most dangerous heat-related illness, so it should receive treatment immediately.

Heat Rash

Companies working with LaborQuick Eastern NC staffing company are looking out for employees on job sites. However, some heat-related illnesses are not as blatant as others. Heat rash is one of the more common heat-related problems due to the bulky protective gear worn on construction sites. The rash can seem minimal compared to other heat illnesses, but it is still important to take care of it to prevent it from becoming worse. The breakout is caused by sweating, so anything that makes the skin moist can make it worse. It is best to keep the area as cool and dry as possible.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is dangerous and can have similar symptoms to heat stroke. These include headache, nausea, dizziness/weakness, irritability/confusion, thirst, heavy sweating, and a high body temperature. This condition is also dangerous, so quickly seek medical attention.

Preventing Heat Illness

Water

Staying hydrated is essential to staying healthy, not just in the summer heat. However, adequate water intake can help prevent potential problems from working in the heat. A few heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, can be healed by rehydrating the body with lots of water. Water intake is vital in construction, especially in the summer heat.

Shade

Rest and take breaks in shady or air-conditioned areas whenever possible. Overworking your body can cause adverse effects. Workers need to move someone with a suspected heat illness somewhere cool and shaded and, if available, an area with air conditioning.

Medical Attention

In the case of more severe heat illnesses, medical attention is necessary immediately. Workers should receive something to rehydrate themselves and a cold compress. A cold compress will help cool the worker by placing it on the back of the neck, forehead, face, and wrists to regulate body temperature. Job sites employees from LaborQuick construction staffing agency work on should always have emergency equipment easily available.

LaborQuick | Eastern NC Staffing Company

Quick identification and action in cases of heat illness are essential to keeping construction workers safe. Heat-related illness can be severe during the summer months, so extra effort should go into staying hydrated, resting in cool areas, and understanding the signs of heat illness. LaborQuick, an eastern NC staffing company, wants workers to watch out for each other and to stay safe during summer.

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