According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), thousands of U.S. workers die every year, and many more succumb to illness, due to extreme heat. Forty percent of these deaths, however, occur in the construction industry. Thankfully, there are ways for construction employers and managers to protect workers from heat-related illness. Here is some advice from MovinCool.
Oscillating Fan
Setting up oscillating fans in work areas will increase air flow while creating a cooler and more comfortable environment for construction workers. This is particularly true when speaking about enclosed work spaces, such as pre-constructed homes and buildings. The lack of airflow in these areas increases the risk of heat-related illness — a problem that’s avoided by using oscillating fans.
Portable Air Conditioner
For maximum cooling power, construction employers should consider using a rental portable air conditioner. Rather than just blowing room temperature air, an air conditioner extracts heat from the surrounding work space to create a cooler environment. Construction employers can use them in buildings, trailers and other enclosed spaces to protect workers from heat-related illness.
Avoid Mid-Day Hours
When possible, construction employers should plan their work to avoid the mid-day hours when the temperature is the hottest. Depending on the time of year and geographic region, temperature is usually the hottest between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. By planning work before and after these hours, construction employers will avoid the peak mid-day sun.
Following these tips will help construction employers create a cooler, safer workplace.