As we head into the summer months, workdays become busier, temperatures rise, and the risk of heat related illnesses increases. Safety should be prioritized year-round, but it is especially crucial when risk levels are high. Here are some of Milton CAT’s job site safety tips for keeping you and your crew safe while working in the summer heat. 

Stay Hydrated 

Staying hydrated is one of the easiest things you can do to prevent heat stroke. Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you aren’t thirsty. Avoid drinks that can dehydrate your body, such as sports drinks and caffeine.

Keep it Covered

Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing that can protect your skin from the sun. Carry spare shirts to replace wet or sweaty shirts as needed. Consider wearing a wet neck towel or cooling towel. Wear sunscreen and reapply every two hours.

Plan for the Heat

Monitor the temperature throughout the day and modify your work schedule accordingly. Prioritize the tasks with the most manual labor in the mornings when the temperature is coolest, leaving less manual work for later in the day. Plan and take breaks in the shade or air conditioning when possible. 

Better Safe than Sorry

If you feel light-headed or faint, take a break and find cold water to refuel. Know the signs of heat stroke and get assistance when needed. Have a plan for especially hot days. If temperatures exceed a certain threshold, you may want to call it a day early to protect your crew.

Keep Equipment in Working Order

When you have a lot of jobs lined up, you need your equipment working at peak performance. Being busy on the job can sometimes mean regular equipment inspections and maintenance slip to the wayside. Make sure to regularly inspect your equipment at the end of the day to prevent unnecessary downtime. Or let Milton CAT do the work for you and schedule onsite preventive maintenance visits. You can schedule onsite maintenance at night to limit downtime during hours of operation. 

Working in the summer doesn’t have to be a bummer or a safety hazard. With these job site safety tips, you’ll keep yourself and your crew safe and make the most of your workdays.

Questions or comments? In need of equipment and tools that abide by or exceed industry job site safety standards? Reach out to Milton CAT today. We’re here to help!