How To Stay Cool In The Heat Outside Working

Heat is a health hazard that can cause heat stroke and exhaustion. Preventing heat in scorching summers is essential, and some tips can help you stay cool. To understand how to stay cool in the heat when working outside, you must know the weather conditions, plan your work schedule strategically, and take breaks to rest. Needless to say, you must drink plenty of water and fluids to stay hydrated.

There are many cooling devices, wearables, and products that you can use while working outside during summer. Cooling devices such as portable fans and mini coolers can be charged using the Jackery Solar Generator, even during a power outage. These generators are eco-friendly, noise-friendly, and do not emit fumes.

Key Takeaways

• Workers exposed to extreme hot environments are at the risk of heat stress.
• A very high temperature can be dangerous, damaging the brain and other vital organs.
• Rest in a shady area; do not leave pets and kids in a parked car.
• According to the S. Department Of Labor, many construction workers become ill due to working in the heat, which even becomes fatal in many cases.
• As the temperature rises, take a water break every 15-30 minutes and try to finish the work before noon.

Why Not Work Outside In The Heat  

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke risk increases as the summer months approach. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, 986 workers died from heat exposure by 2022.

Extreme heat is becoming a climate-related killer in the United States, and over the last few decades, summer days have become standard across contiguous states. Workers engaging in physical activity face more significant health-related challenges.

Workers exposed to scorching environments are at risk of heat stress, which can result in occupational illness. These illnesses include heat stroke, exhaustion, cramps, and rashes. Heat stress increases the risk of injuries and creates challenges because of sweaty palms, dizziness, burns, and fogging of safety glasses.

If a worker comes in contact with hot steam or surfaces, it may cause them burns. Firefighters, farmers, construction workers, factory workers, bakery workers, and more are at risk of heat stress. People who are 65 years of age or older, are obese, have heart-related disease, or are under medication are more prone to extreme heat.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body starts losing electrolytes. If you experience heat exhaustion symptoms, taking a break and going to a cool place is essential. According to the CDC, symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, headache, cold, pale and clammy skin, fast, weak pulse, etc.

Consider moving to a shaded area or an air-conditioned room, sipping water, and taking a cool bath. If you are throwing up or your symptoms last longer than one hour, seek medical help right away.

Heat stroke is one of the most severe heat-related illnesses. It occurs when the body is unable to regulate the core temperature, which can put the vital organs at risk and cause them to stop working.

According to the CDC, symptoms of heat stroke include no sweating, chills, migraine, inability to speak, vertigo, a high body temperature of 103°F (39.4^oC) or higher, rapid breathing, unconsciousness, and hot, red, dry, or damp skin. In that situation, consider calling 911 immediately, moving the person to a more relaxed place, helping them lower the temperature, and not giving them anything to drink.

The Role Of Heat-Illness Prevention

Heat is an occupational and environmental health hazard that causes illnesses such as heat stress. Heat stress can exacerbate cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, and infectious diseases. It is essential to prevent heat illnesses in summer to stay healthy and avoid killer illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat strokes.

It is possible to reduce body heat externally by taking a cold shower or jumping into a pool or internally by drinking cold water. A typical body temperature is around 98.6^oF (37^oC) and can vary depending on the time of day. Many reasons, such as illnesses, intense physical activity, or being outdoors on a scorching day, can raise your body temperature.

The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, regulates the internal body temperature. It checks the current temperature; if it is low, it ensures that the body generates and maintains heat. Sweat is produced to cool the skin if the current body temperature is high.

A very high temperature can be dangerous as it can damage the brain and other vital organs. Health conditions such as fever, dehydration, obesity, poor circulation, and alcohol use can make it challenging for the body to stay cool. Here are some tips by CDPH for preventing health-related illness:

• Excessive sweating removes salts and minerals, so drink more water, juice, and electrolytes.
• Stay in an air-conditioned area, shopping mall, or public building for a few hours. A cool shower or pool bath is also an excellent way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothes. Carry a wide-brimmed hat while you are out in the hot sun, and remember to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
• Stay outdoors before noon or in the evening, and try to be less active during the hottest part of the day. Rest in a shady area; do not leave pets and kids in a parked car.
• If you are someone who does not exercise regularly, you can start slowly and pick up gradually. If any physical activity leaves your heart pounding or you gasp for breath, you should stop immediately.
• You can use a buddy system, which means checking on your friends during a heat wave and having someone do the same for you. You can also check on elderly people who have a health condition twice or thrice a day and watch for signs of heat illness.

How To Stay Cool In The Heat Outside Working

Staying cool while working outside can be challenging, as the workers must work on the hottest days without shade. Some environmental tips and personal tips can help you regulate your body temperature and stay cool to some extent.

Working Outside Tips

High temperatures have been scorching much of the United States, and outside workers need to put safety by protecting themselves. According to the U.S. Department Of Labor, many construction workers become ill due to working in the heat, which even becomes fatal in many cases. These cases remind you that heat stress is a genuine concern and calls for your attention. Here are some outside tips that you must consider as an outside worker:

Understand Weather Conditions

As the outside temperature exceeds body temperature, you should expect a challenging day as it makes it difficult for your body to cool down. Even in high humidity, sweat evaporates slower, preventing your body from cooling. In very low humidity, your sweat could evaporate too quickly, leading to dehydration.

Know Your Work Surface

Another tip is to understand the materials and work surfaces you are working with. It is best to keep materials such as metals out of the direct sun until they are ready for installation. You should wear heavy gloves while working on any roofing material that absorbs heat. You can plan the layout of your roof to stay cool while roofing in the summer and work in a way that allows you to try to stay away from the sun.

Know Your Staff

You must acclimate new staff members to work in extreme heat conditions during summer. According to NIOSH, a roofing professional should not work more than 20 percent of a typical workday on the first day. If the workers have health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or infections, they should discuss with doctors whether it is safe for them to work in extreme heat conditions.

Know Your Physical Exertion

Sometimes, physical activity has negative consequences. Therefore, you must always measure physical activity before stepping out to work. Too much physical exertion, along with work, will lead to excessive sweating, which extracts electrolytes and minerals from the body. You may measure physical activity using self-report questionnaires, heart-rate monitors, or direct observation.

Plan Your Day Strategically

It is wise to plan your day to stay cool while working in the heat. You can start your day at 7 a.m. to avoid the midday sun's heat. As the temperature rises, take a water break every 15-30 minutes and try to finish the work before the hottest part of the day. It is important to remember that before you arrive at work, you should not exercise, as it could increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.

What To Drink While Working Outside

For most workers, it is unnecessary to drink sports drinks for electrolytes, as workers who eat regular meals will gain the required electrolytes from food. However, if you have been sweating for more than four hours, sports drinks may be helpful to avoid heat stroke. Professionals not acclimatized to high heat should add salt to meals, at least for the first two to three days of work.

Set Up A Shade Canopy

If you work on your property, you might be in full sun all day. Consider setting up a 10×10 shade canopy or a 10×20 canopy for extra shade. Even your guests will love it when they visit.

Make An Emergency Plan

A plan is crucial to deal with high temperatures in any industrial sector. The supervisor is responsible for knowing what temperature or weather, when frequent breaks should be given, and when the working site should shut down. The health and safety of workers in a particular industry are more critical. Emergency plans should be understandable to all workers so that preventive measures can be taken during an illness.

Personal Tips

As a worker, staying cool can help you maintain energy and stay focused and safe on the work site. Here are some personal tips which can help you to keep cool in the hot weather while you are working out:

Dress Appropriately

If you work outside in the heat, always wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothes. Light colors do not absorb heat, and loose clothes keep you cool as they allow airflow. Wearing a hat will help you keep the sun directly off your face, and it covers your neck and the top of your ears.

Sun Protection

Always use and carry sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays. Choose one that is rated SPF 15 or higher. You can also wear clothing with UPF blockers, which protect your skin from sunburn.

Cooling Measures

Some cooling measures, such as using a frozen towel, can provide massive relief while working during the day. To do so, dampen a hand towel and place it in the freezer overnight. The next day, you can put it around your neck while working, which will cool you off. You can also make many of these and store them in an ice cooler. Another tip is to use ice blocks under your arms, the back of your knees, and the back of your neck.

Being Hydrated

To stay cool and avoid heat exhaustion, you should drink a small amount of water after every 15 minutes. Many sports and outdoor drinks offer a wide selection of hydration packs, and whenever you feel thirsty, just sip some water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Energy drinks with up to 8% carbohydrates provide salt and sugar, similar to what your body needs.

Portable Cooling Devices

If allowed, you can bring portable fans and cooling devices to the job site to keep yourself and others safe. If you worry about charging options, use the Jackery Solar Generator, which uses solar energy to charge the cooling and other essential devices. You are also advised to bring spray bottles you can use in an emergency and store them in portable coolers.

Keep Hair Short

Long and thick hair can increase the weight on top of your head. Getting a haircut is a good idea to stay more relaxed during summer. Short, layered hair will help the body regulate temperature during hot days.

Eat Light Meals

Before going to the work site, drink lots of water and have a good breakfast; it is also important to stay fueled with food. To keep your energy up, you should always eat light meals easy for your body to digest rather than heavy meals rich in carbs. Some great options include salads, fruits, vegetables, juices, etc.