Take the Heat off Your Workers This Summer

By MARCO Industries.  

Follow these tips to exercise extra caution in extreme temperatures as the weather gets hotter.  

MARCO works with enough roofers to know that the summertime heat is no joke. Even for the seasoned professional, the heat needs to be taken seriously, especially as normal temperature ranges are climbing higher. Oregon recently reported 115-degree temperatures in Portland, and even if you don’t live in Oregon, the temperature peak is an apt reminder to pay extra attention to your own safety and your workers during the hot summer months.  

The problem is two-fold. Roofers are used to the heat, so they often don’t recognize the symptoms of heat illness when they are experiencing them. Plus, the summer months provide more sunlight (which heats things up), but it also allows for longer workdays, which can increase the risks of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. 

OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention campaign boils it down to this: "Water, rest, shade." Pretty simple, but very effective. OSHA recommends the following: 

• Provide workers with water, rest and shade. 
• Allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimatize or build a tolerance for working in the heat. 
• Plan for emergencies and train workers on prevention. 
• Monitor workers for signs of illness. 

Whether you have a crew of 20 or two, you should approach heat safety the same way: seriously. In fact, if you are working alone or away from others, it’s especially important to take precautions.  

It’s hot up there on the roof. Consider getting a pop-up tent to use a cooling station. Keep electrolyte packs and popsicles around to help with hydration. Anything you can do to keep hydrated and cool will help keep you safe! 

To learn more about Marco, visit www.MarcoIndustries.com. To contact Marco directly, you can email them here or call 1-800-800-8590. 

Learn more about Marco Industries in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.marcoindustries.com.   

Original article source: MARCO Industries