Make sure you’re staying safe while working in the summer heat.

The weather is heating up in the Sunshine State, and that means it’s time to watch out for heat stress, namely heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stress is any strain on the body’s cooling mechanisms due to high temperatures and humidity. In the summer months, Florida has both high temperatures and high humidity, making heat exhaustion—or the more serious heat stroke—more likely. Tucker Paving has been in the construction industry in Central Florida for 30 years, and the safety and wellness of our employees is our leading priority! Know the ins and outs of heat stress and look out for one another so that everyone gets to go home at the end of the day.

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both types of heat stress. Heat exhaustion is where high temperatures and humidity begin to interfere with the body’s natural cooling mechanisms, such as sweating. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are: 

  • Headaches.
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
  • Weakness and moist skin.
  • Mood changes such as irritability or confusion.
  • Upset stomach or vomiting.

Heat stroke is when the factors that caused heat exhaustion are not addressed, such as you feel dizzy but keep working, and the condition becomes much more severe. Symptoms of heat stroke include:

  • Dry, hot skin with no sweating.
  • Mental confusion or losing consciousness. 
  • Seizures or fits. 

Heat–induced illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke can result in death!

Avoiding Heat Stress

There are a number of factors that affect one’s likelihood of experiencing heat stress. These include:

  • High temperatures and humidity. 
  • Being in direct sun or heat. 
  • There’s limited air movement. 
  • Physical exertion. 
  • Being in poor physical condition. 
  • Some medicines/medications.
  • Inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces.

The more factors that a person has, the more likely they are to experience heat stress. It’s important to limit the factors by adjusting those that are within your control. Steps to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stress include:

  • Know the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses. 
  • Monitor yourself and team members. 
  • Block out direct sun or other heat sources.
  • Use cooling fans or air-conditioning.
  • Rest regularly.
  • Drink a lot of water; (about 1 cup every 15 minutes). 
  • Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes.
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals.

Take Action During Heat Stress

Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke are emergency-level conditions. If someone is showing the signs of either, remembering WATER, REST, & SHADE, and you should:

  • Call 911 (or a local emergency number) immediately. 
  • While waiting for help to arrive, move the person to a cool, shaded area. 
  • Loosen or remove heavy clothing. 
  • Provide cool drinking water. 
  • Fan and mist the person with water. 

At Tucker Paving, safety is always our leading priority. In our 30 years in the asphalt and concrete paving industry, we take all necessary steps to keep our employees safe. We can help you with your next project! Call us at (863) 299-2262, or fill out our contact form online.